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Innkeeper’s Mussel Chowder





Yields
Makes 8 to 10 first-course servings

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.

 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
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.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 285Calories from Fat 60
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g30%

Saturated Fat 11g56%
Cholesterol 78mg26%
Sodium 721mg31%
Total Carbohydrate 19g7%

Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
Protein 11g22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.