Best A Chowder Of Mussels And Leeks Recipes

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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.

LEEK AND POTATO CHOWDER



Leek and Potato Chowder image

This recipe is my tribute to James Crockett, the host of 'Crockett's Victory Garden' on PBS in the 1970's. Jim would raise leeks the size of baseball bats and brag about leek and potato soup. His skill in teaching gardening inspired me to pursue a career in horticulture. This version of your soup is my tribute to you.

Provided by KSgoatfarmer

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes     Potato Soup Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 leeks
6 tablespoons butter, divided
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 (15 ounce) cans chicken broth
5 small red potatoes, peeled and diced
2 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup water as needed
1 cup half-and-half

Steps:

  • Clean leeks by cutting off the roots and the tips of the leaves. Make a vertical cut from the root end to the tops, being careful to not cut through completely. The leeks will now open like the pages of a book, and any mud can be cleaned out between the leaves under the faucet. Slice the cleaned leeks into quarter-inch strips.
  • Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute leeks in hot butter until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a slow cooker.
  • Melt remaining butter in the same skillet over low heat. Gradually whisk flour into the melted butter until the mixture forms a clump of dough. Slowly stream chicken broth into the skillet, continually whisking until the broth is entirely incorporated; pour over the mixture in the slow cooker. Add bacon and potatoes to the slow cooker. Season mixture with salt and pepper; stir.
  • Cook on Low until the potatoes are soft, stirring water into the mixture if it gets too thick, at least 2 hours. Stir half-and-half into the mixture and continue cooking for 1 hour more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.4 calories, Carbohydrate 35.3 g, Cholesterol 52.3 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 10.7 g, Sodium 864.5 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER



The Best Clam Chowder image

This is a basic New England clam chowder, though with leeks used in place of the traditional onions, and a splash of wine to add a floral note. Also: thyme. Very continental! It is shockingly delicious and deserves its title as best. Bacon will add a smoky note to the stew. If you use it, it may be worth it to go the whole distance and get expensive double-smoked bacon instead of the standard supermarket fare. The salt pork, which is not smoked, will take the meal in the opposite direction, emphasizing the pure flavor of the clams.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

24 medium-size quahog clams, usually rated ''top neck'' or ''cherrystone,'' rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 pound slab bacon or salt pork, diced
2 leeks, tops removed, halved and cleaned, then sliced into half moons
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups cream
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley.

Steps:

  • Put the clams in a large, heavy Dutch oven, add about 4 cups water, then set over medium-high heat. Cover, and cook until clams have opened, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. (Clams that fail to open after 15 to 20 minutes should be discarded.) Strain clam broth through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or doubled-up paper towels, and set aside. Remove clams from shells, and set aside as well.
  • Rinse out the pot, and return it to the stove. Add butter, and turn heat to medium-low. Add bacon or salt pork, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the pork has started to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove pork from fat, and set aside.
  • Add the leeks to the fat, and cook, stirring frequently, until they are soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes and wine, and continue cooking until wine has evaporated and the potatoes have just started to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add enough clam broth to just cover the potatoes, approximately 3 cups, reserving the rest for another use. Add the thyme and the bay leaf.
  • Partly cover the pot, and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, chop the clams into bits about the size of the bacon dice.
  • When potatoes are tender, add cream and stir in chopped clams and reserved bacon. Add black pepper to taste. Let come to a simmer, and remove from heat. (Do not let chowder come to a full boil.) Fish out the thyme and the bay leaf, and discard.
  • The chowder should be allowed to sit for a while to cure. Reheat it to a bare simmer before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 398, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 544 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

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.

STEAMED MUSSELS WITH LEEKS, GARLIC, THYME, WHITE WINE, AND BUTTER



Steamed Mussels with Leeks, Garlic, Thyme, White Wine, and Butter image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     appetizer

Time 32m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 pounds mussels
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
2 leeks, white parts only, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 bunch fresh thyme
1 cup white wine
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Rinse the mussels under cold running water while scrubbing with a vegetable brush. Remove the stringy mussel beards with your thumb and index finger as you wash them. Discard any mussels with broken shells.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, garlic, and thyme and cook until the vegetables cook down to a pulp, about 5 minutes. Add the mussels and give everything a good toss. Add the white wine. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, until the mussels open. Stir occasionally so that all the mussels are in contact with the heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the sauce remaining in the pot and swirl to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve immediately.

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

A CHOWDER OF MUSSELS AND LEEKS



A Chowder of Mussels and Leeks image

Onions have always had a slightly awkward relationship with fish. They seem particularly ungainly and rough edged alongside the white varieties or shellfish. Shallots work better, with their milder notes and less significant dose of sugar, but of all the alliums it is the leek that marries most successfully. The white of the leek has an elegance and subtlety that is unlikely to overpower any fish you put it with. In a soup or pie, it dances with the piscine ingredients where an onion would tread on their toes. Chowder is traditionally a hearty bowl of food. The one I make with mussels and bacon is a short step away from the big clam and potato numbers I have eaten in Boston, in that it is somewhat lighter and less creamy, but it is still essentially a big soup for a cool day.

Yield enough for 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

leeks - 3
smoked bacon - 5 ounces (150g)
butter - 3 tablespoons (40g)
mussels - 2 pounds (1kg)
white vermouth - 2 glasses
potatoes - 1 pound (450g)
heavy cream - 3/4 cup (200ml)
bay leaves - a couple
thyme - 4 sprigs
parsley - a few sprigs, chopped

Steps:

  • Thinly slice the leeks and rinse them very thoroughly. No vegetable holds its grit like a leek. Cut the bacon into short, thin strips and put them into a deep, thick-bottomed pan with the butter. Let the bacon color lightly over medium heat. Decrease the heat, add the leeks, and cover with a lid. Let them cook for twenty minutes or so, with an occasional stir, until they are soft and sweet-they should not color. Remove from the heat.
  • Check the mussels and pull away any beards. Discard any mussels that are broken, open, or exceptionally heavy. Put them in a large pot, pour in the vermouth, and cover tightly with a lid. Place over high heat until the mussels have opened (a matter of minutes), then remove each mussel from its shell.
  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into large dice. Put them in a saucepan with 1 3/4 cups (400ml) of the mussel cooking liquor, drained through a sieve. Add the cream, bay, thyme, and a little black pepper (no salt). Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat so that the potatoes simmer gently for about ten minutes.
  • Add three-quarters of the cooked potatoes to the leeks and bacon. Put the remainder in a blender with the cream (pick out the herbs first) and blitz briefly until smooth (too long and it will turn gummy). Pour into the pan and add the mussels and parsley. Bring all to a boil and serve.

SMOKED HADDOCK & LEEK CHOWDER



Smoked haddock & leek chowder image

A creamy, chunky fish chowder for a winter's day - proper warm-you-up grub

Provided by Jo Pratt

Categories     Lunch, Main course, Soup

Time 40m

Yield Serves 4 (generously)

Number Of Ingredients 12

600g natural (undyed) smoked haddock
500ml milk
1 tbsp olive oil
150g lardons (diced bacon), or chopped streaky bacon
2 sticks of celery , thinly sliced
3 medium leeks , washed and sliced
2 bay leaves
2 medium potatoes , peeled and diced into small cubes
500ml fish or chicken stock
125g frozen sweetcorn , thawed
142ml carton single cream
2 tbsp roughly chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Lay the haddock in a deep frying pan and pour over the milk. Cover and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and leave undisturbed for about 5 mins, until the haddock is just cooked. Lift the haddock from the milk, remove the skin and bones and fl ake onto a plate. Reserve the milk for later.
  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan (preferably non-stick) and gently fry the bacon until starting to brown. Add the celery, leeks, bay leaves and potatoes, and cook for a couple of mins. Pour in the stock and reserved milk. Bring to the simmer and cook for 10 mins.
  • Add the flaked haddock, sweetcorn and cream. Season with pepper (it shouldn't need salt) and stir in the parsley. Heat through gently, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470 calories, Fat 23 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 25 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 44 grams protein, Sodium 4.77 milligram of sodium

MUSSELS WITH LEEKS & SAFFRON



Mussels with leeks & saffron image

Combine mussels with leeks, sherry, white wine, double cream, garlic and parsley to make this Spanish-themed dish. It makes a great starter or light lunch

Provided by Diana Henry

Categories     Lunch, Starter

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3kg mussels
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks , trimmed, cut into rings and washed well
2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
a few parsley sprigs, some thyme and a few bay leaves, tied together to make a bouquet garni
400ml dry sherry
100ml dry white wine
big pinch of saffron
200ml double cream
1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley , finely chopped

Steps:

  • Wash the mussels in a sink of cold water, removing any little beards and scrubbing any barnacles. Tap each one on the side of the sink - if the mussel doesn't close tightly, discard it (also discard any with broken shells). Put the mussels in a colander (in batches) and rinse really well under cold running water.
  • Heat the oil in a large pan (or two pans if you don't have one big enough to fit all the mussels). Sauté the leeks for 8-10 mins until softening, then add the garlic and cook for another few mins. Add the bouquet garni, pour over the sherry and wine, sprinkle over the saffron and bring to just under the boil. Stir to help the saffron flavour the wine.
  • Turn the heat down to medium-low, then add the mussels and stir. Cover the pan and allow the mussels to cook until they open (this will take about 4 mins), shaking the pan a few times. Remove the bouquet garni. Add the cream, stir and heat through. Taste for seasoning (mussels are always pretty salty, so you shouldn't need to add anything). Scatter over the parsley, then transfer the mussels to a large, warm serving dish or serve them straight from the pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 20 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 2 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 20 grams protein, Sodium 1.1 milligram of sodium

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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