Best A Chowder Of Mussels And Leeks Recipes

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SCALLOP AND MUSSEL CHOWDER



Scallop and Mussel Chowder image

A good seafood lunch or light supper year-round, but I like it when the weather gets chilly. If used as an appetizer, can stretch to 6 servings.

Provided by echo echo

Categories     Chowders

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon butter
1 1/4 cups frozen corn or 1 1/4 cups canned corn
2 1/2 cups milk
1 leek, chopped
4 slices bacon, diced
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 medium potato, diced
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
4 sea scallops, sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 ounces cooked fresh mussels
1/8 teaspoon sweet paprika
2/3 cup light cream
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Process 1/2 cup corn with 1/2 cup milk; set rest of corn and milk aside.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan and over medium heat fry leek through garlic 4-5 minutes until the leek is soft.
  • Turn heat to low, add green pepper and potato and cook, stirring, 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until mixture turns frothy.
  • Stir in stock, corn-milk puree and rest of milk and corn; season with salt and pepper.
  • Turn heat to high, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, partially covered 15-20 minutes until pepper and potato are tender.
  • Stir in the scallop slices and cook 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the mussels and paprika and heat 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the cream and heat through; adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399.8, Fat 21.2, SaturatedFat 11.6, Cholesterol 72.4, Sodium 334.7, Carbohydrate 39.7, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 4.2, Protein 16.1

MUSSEL CHOWDER



Mussel Chowder image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Time 1h15m

Yield Six first-course or four main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups white wine
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5 pounds mussels, scrubbed, beards removed
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
4 medium leeks, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cups red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut crosswise into thin strips

Steps:

  • Place 1 cup of wine, the water and the lemon juice in a large pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, add the mussels, cover and steam, shaking the pot from time to time, until the mussels open, about 7 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Pull the mussels from the shells and refrigerate. Reserve the broth.
  • Melt the butter in a large, wide pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes and cook for 4 minutes longer. Add the mussel broth and the remaining wine and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Turn the heat to low and stir in the milk and cream. With the liquid barely at a simmer, cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the saffron and cook for 5 minutes longer. Add the mussels, salt and pepper and cook just until the mussels are warmed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the basil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 602, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 50 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 1659 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MUSSEL CHOWDER



Mussel Chowder image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Milk/Cream     Mussel     White Wine     Gourmet

Yield Makes 8 first-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 1/2 lb mussels (preferably cultivated), cleaned and steamed , using half white wine and half water and reserving cooking liquid
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 large orange bell peppers, finely chopped
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
Accompaniment: crusty bread

Steps:

  • Pour reserved mussel cooking liquid through a fine sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into a bowl. Set aside 24 mussels in their shells, then shuck remainder and halve them crosswise.
  • Wash chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
  • Cook leeks, carrots, bell peppers, and shallot with salt and pepper in butter and oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, uncovered, stirring, 1 minute. Add strained mussel cooking liquid and wine and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Stir in halved mussels and cream and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes. Add reserved mussels in their shells and simmer until just heated through, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

MUSSEL CHOWDER



Mussel Chowder image

This recipe is from the April 2002 issue of Gourmet Magazine. Serve this chowder with a loaf of crusty bread.

Provided by Chef Regina V. Smith

Categories     Chowders

Time 1h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 1/2 lbs mussels, cleaned and streamed, using half white wine and half water, reserving cooking liquid
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only, finely chopped)
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 large orange bell peppers, finely chopped
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Pour reserved mussel cooking liquid through a fine sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into a bowl.
  • Set aside 24 mussels in their shells, then shuck the remaining mussels and halve them crosswise.
  • Wash the chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water. Then lift out and drain well.
  • Cook leeks, carrots, bell peppers and shallot with salt and pepper in the butter and oil in a 5 quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, uncovered, stirring 1 minute. Add the strained mussel cooking liquid and wine and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Stir in halved mussels and cream and simmer, until just heated through, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 496.7, Fat 23.8, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 129.4, Sodium 1196.8, Carbohydrate 23.9, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 4.6, Protein 42.2

SAN FRANCISCO-INSPIRED MUSSEL CHOWDER



San Francisco-Inspired Mussel Chowder image

Since chowder is a regional dish, it's not surprising there are many variations to choose from. My version is based on one I tasted at a restaurant by the waterfront in the Bay Area, which consisted of fresh clams cooked in a velvety, creamy sauce with potatoes and bacon. Since I love mussels, I decided to use them instead of clams. If you really want the full San Francisco experience, remove the mussels from their shells, stir the meat back into the chowder and serve in a sourdough bread bowl.

Provided by Carla Hall

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 bacon slices, chopped
1/2 cup chopped scallions (white and light green parts), plus more for garnish
3 cloves garlic, minced plus 1 whole clove
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
2 thyme sprigs
1 lemon, zest peeled into strips with a vegetable peeler
2 cups fish stock
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
Pinch of ground white pepper
1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 cup heavy cream
Olive oil
1 baguette, sliced
1 clove garlic, whole

Steps:

  • Cook the bacon in a large deep skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
  • Cook the scallions in the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat, stirring frequently, until softened. Place the minced garlic on your board and sprinkle with a generous pinch of kosher salt, then use the side of a chef's knife to scrape into a paste. Add the garlic, thyme and lemon peel strips and cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the fish stock and potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of white pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are just tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high, add the mussels, cover and cook until the mussels have opened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and discard any mussels that have not opened.
  • Return the pan to the heat and simmer until the liquid is slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Top the mussels with the cooked bacon and extra sliced scallions.
  • Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the baguette slices with a little olive oil, then add to the grill pan and cook until golden brown, 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and rub with the whole garlic clove. Served the mussels with the grilled bread.

TOBY'S MUSSEL CHOWDER



Toby's Mussel Chowder image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon dried basil, plus 1 tablespoon
2 to 3 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1/4 pound bacon, chopped
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
4 cups (1/2-inch dice) potatoes
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups clam juice or fish stock
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 to 2 cups milk (depends on how thick you want chowder)

Steps:

  • Place wine, butter, garlic, and 1 tablespoon basil in a stockpot and brings to a simmer. Add mussels and steam, covered, over high heat, for 8 to 12 minutes. Check to see when shells begin to open, be careful not to overcook. When mussels open, remove them from the heat, and drain, reserving liquid. Set mussels aside to cool, discarding any unopened mussels. When cool, remove meat from shells, chop coarsely, and refrigerate until needed.
  • In a stockpot, over medium-high heat, saute bacon until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown. Add onions, celery and cook until onions turn translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add potatoes and thyme and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add stock or clam juice, reserved mussel liquid, remaining 1 tablespoon basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and begin to thicken chowder. Add milk, chopped mussels and bring back to simmer. Reheat for 2 to 3 minutes. Check for seasoning. Serve with garlic bread.

A chowder of mussels and leeks is a delicious seafood soup that combines the sweet, salty flavor of fresh mussels with the mellow, onion-like taste of leeks. This dish is popular in coastal areas of America and Europe, and is typically made with a creamy, buttery broth that enhances the natural flavors of the seafood.

Ingredients

To make a chowder of mussels and leeks, you will need the following ingredients:
Mussels:
Fresh mussels are the star of this dish, and should be the highest quality you can find. Ideally, you will want to purchase live mussels that have been harvested within the past few days. Look for plump, shiny shells that are tightly closed. If any of the shells are open or cracked, discard them, as this indicates that the mussel is no longer alive.
Leeks:
Leeks are a type of onion that have a sweeter, milder flavor than traditional white onions. They are used in many soups and stews, and work particularly well in this chowder. To prepare leeks for cooking, you will need to slice off the fluffy green tops and root, and discard them. Then, slice the remaining white and light green parts in half lengthwise, and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit.
Potatoes:
Potatoes are a classic ingredient in chowders, adding a creamy texture and subtle flavor that complements the mussels and leeks. You will want to use waxy potatoes for this recipe, such as red or Yukon gold, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
Bacon:
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the chowder, and complements the sweetness of the mussels and leeks. Look for thick-cut bacon that has been smoked but not overly salty.
Heavy cream:
Heavy cream is a key ingredient in the creamy, buttery broth that makes this chowder so delicious. You will want to use a high-quality, full-fat cream for the best flavor and texture.
Seasonings:
To season the chowder, you will need salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that works well with the other flavors in the dish.

Instructions

To make a chowder of mussels and leeks, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Cook bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Cook leeks and potatoes
Add the leeks to the pot with the bacon fat and cook them for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender and fragrant. Then, add the potatoes and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until they are just starting to soften.
Step 3: Add broth
Add enough chicken or vegetable broth to the pot to cover the vegetables, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are completely tender.
Step 4: Add mussels
While the broth is simmering, prepare the mussels. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and discard any that are open or cracked. Add the mussels to the pot and cover it with a lid. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the mussels have opened and the meat is cooked through.
Step 5: Finish chowder
Using a slotted spoon, remove the mussels from the pot and set them aside in a bowl. Discard any mussels that did not open during cooking. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the broth and vegetables until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot and add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cream is warmed through.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the chowder into bowls and top each serving with a few cooked mussels and some crumbled bacon. Serve hot, with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.

Conclusion

A chowder of mussels and leeks is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold nights or lazy weekend afternoons. The combination of tender, sweet mussels and earthy leeks in a creamy broth is unbeatable, and the addition of bacon and potatoes makes it even more hearty and delicious. Whether you want to impress dinner guests, feed a hungry family, or just enjoy a comforting bowl of soup, this chowder is sure to please.

Intro

Mussels and leeks are two ingredients that come together to make a delicious chowder. This dish is perfect for any seafood lover, and it's relatively easy to make. However, like with any recipe, there are a few tips that can help you make the perfect chowder of mussels and leeks. In this article, we will discuss some valuable tips to consider when making this dish.

Tip 1: Use Fresh Mussels

The first and most crucial tip is to use fresh mussels. Using frozen mussels will significantly impact the taste of your chowder. Fresh mussels should be tightly closed when you purchase them. If some mussels are open, tap them lightly. If they close back up, they are still alive and can be used. If they stay open, discard them as they may be dead or dying. Also, make sure to rinse the mussels thoroughly and scrub them with a brush to remove any dirt or sand.

Tip 2: Use Homemade Fish Stock

The second tip is to use homemade fish stock instead of store-bought. Making your fish stock is easier than you might think, and it makes a huge difference in the flavor of your chowder. You can use the heads and bones of any white fish, such as cod or halibut, to make the stock. Simmer the fish bones with some carrots, onions, and celery for at least an hour, strain it, and you have the perfect base for your chowder.

Tip 3: Don't Overcook the Mussels

Mussels can be overcooked easily, and this can make them rubbery and tough. When you add the mussels to the chowder, make sure to cook them only until they have opened. Overcooking them will result in a chewy and unappetizing texture. As soon as the mussels have opened, remove them from the pot, and add them back in just before serving.

Tip 4: Use Smoked Bacon

Smoked bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor to your chowder that goes perfectly with the mussels and leeks. Also, the smoky bacon crumbles can be used as a garnish, which adds texture to the dish. The smokiness of the bacon can be a game-changer in the flavor of the chowder.

Tip 5: Use Thyme and Bay Leaves

Thyme and bay leaves are herbs that add flavor and aroma to many seafood dishes. Bay leaves bring the sweet aroma and a delicate flavor while thyme brings a completely different complexity to the mix making even more delicious. Adding a sprig of thyme and a bay leaf to your chowder will enhance the flavor and make the dish more complex.

Tip 6: Cream Vs. Milk

When making chowders, most recipes call for cream or milk. Using heavy cream will make you chowder more velvety, but it may also give it a richer flavor. If you want a lighter chowder, you can opt for milk instead. However, if you choose milk, you have to make sure not to add any acidic ingredients such as lemon or tomato. Acid denatures the proteins in the milk and may cause it to curdle.

Tip 7: Use Leek Greens for the Stock

When making your fish stock, don't throw away the green tops of your leeks. The leafy tops may not look as appetizing, but they are packed with flavor. You can add them to the stock to make it even tastier. The leaves can be removed before serving as they do not taste pleasant.

Tip 8: Add Potatoes

Adding potatoes is a standard practice when making chowders. The potatoes not only add flavor but can also thicken the chowder. The starch from the potatoes helps to create a creamy texture for the chowder, without the need for excessive amounts of cream or milk. This ultimately renders the chowder healthier and whole.

Conclusion

Making a chowder of mussels and leeks is a perfect meal for elegant dinner parties or an everyday meal. These valuable tips will help you create a delicious and flavorful chowder. Remember to use fresh mussels, homemade fish stock, and smoked bacon, and not to overcook the mussels. Additionally, herbs like bay leaves and thyme can be used to add flavor, whilst potatoes help to thicken the chowder. These tips will ensure that your chowder is the best it can be, and it will delight you and your guests.

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