Ingredients:
500g fresh mussels
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 medium-sized potatoes, chopped
1 cup white wine
2 cups fish or vegetable stock
1 cup cream
1 tablespoon dried or fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Clean the mussels
The first step in making mussel soup is to clean the mussels thoroughly. Scrub the with a brush under cold water to remove any dirt or barnacles, and make sure to remove the beards from the mussels. Discard any mussels that are open or that do not close when tapped.
2. Saute onion and garlic
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and saute for a few minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add potatoes
Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the potatoes are slightly softened.
4. Add the mussels and wine
Add the mussels to the pot and pour in one cup of white wine. Cover the pot and cook for approximately five minutes until the mussels start to open.
5. Add stock and thyme
Add two cups of fish or vegetable stock to the pot and stir to combine with the other ingredients. Add one tablespoon of dried or fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the soup
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for approximately thirty minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
7. Add cream
Once the potatoes are soft, add one cup of cream to the pot and stir gently to combine. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes longer to heat the cream.
8. Serve hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips:
– Fresh mussels should be used to make this soup, frozen mussels will not give the same depth of flavor.
– If the mussels do not open, throw them away as they could be bad.
– You can also add other seafood to the soup such as shrimp or clams.
– Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can be added for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
Mussel soup is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a cool evening or a special occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few ingredients, making it an excellent option for those who want to try their hand at making a gourmet soup without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich and savory flavor, mussel soup is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.