CREAM OF MUSSEL SOUP

Cream of Mussel Soup image

Every New England cook has a personal version of mussel soup, depending on the favored regional herbs and cooking customs. Feel free to start with my recipe and develop your own luscious variation. -Donna Noel, Gray, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 pounds fresh mussels (about 5 dozen), scrubbed and beards removed
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 cup water
1 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup half-and-half cream

Steps:

Tap mussels; discard any that do not close. Set aside. In a stockpot, combine the onions, celery, water, wine or broth, clam juice, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add mussels. Cover and simmer until mussels have opened, 5-6 minutes. Remove mussels with a slotted spoon, discarding any unopened mussels; set aside opened mussels and keep warm., Cool cooking liquid slightly. In a blender, cover and process cooking liquid in batches until blended. Return all to pan. Add cream and reserved mussels; heat through (do not boil).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.