Innkeeper’s Mussel Chowder
Notes: This creamy mussel chowder debuted in 1981 on the first menu at Shelburne Inn's Shoalwater Restaurant in Seaview, Washington. If making it up to 1 day ahead, cool, cover, and chill; reheat to serve.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Scrub mussels in cool water and pull off beards; discard any whose shells don't close when tapped. In an 8- to 10-quart pan, combine mussels and wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over medium heat until mussels open, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour into a colander set in a large bowl to collect juices. Let mussels stand until cool enough to touch.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Peel and chop onion. Rinse celery and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Step 3
3
In the pan used for mussels, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; stir often until onion is limp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add curry powder and basil; stir until spices become more fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 4
4
Pour mussel juices from bowl into pan. Add tomato sauce, cream, and potatoes. Turn heat to high; when mixture is boiling, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended, about 30 minutes.
Step 5
5
Meanwhile, remove mussels from shells; discard shells.
Step 6
6
Add mussels to soup; cover and simmer just until mussels are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls.
Ingredients
5 pounds mussels in shells
1 cup dry white wine or water
1 pound thin-skinned potatoes
1 onion (1/2 lb.)
1 stalk celery (3 oz.)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 can (28 oz.) tomato sauce
2 cups whipping cream
Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1
1
Scrub mussels in cool water and pull off beards; discard any whose shells don't close when tapped. In an 8- to 10-quart pan, combine mussels and wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over medium heat until mussels open, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour into a colander set in a large bowl to collect juices. Let mussels stand until cool enough to touch.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Peel and chop onion. Rinse celery and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Step 3
3
In the pan used for mussels, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; stir often until onion is limp, 6 to 8 minutes. Add curry powder and basil; stir until spices become more fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 4
4
Pour mussel juices from bowl into pan. Add tomato sauce, cream, and potatoes. Turn heat to high; when mixture is boiling, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended, about 30 minutes.
Step 5
5
Meanwhile, remove mussels from shells; discard shells.
Step 6
6
Add mussels to soup; cover and simmer just until mussels are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls.
Search All of Sunset's Recipes
The Latest
4 Stylish Ways to Earthquake-Proof Your Home’s Design
