Saffron Mussel Bisque

Directions

1. Place saffron threads in a small bowl, and cover with 1 tablespoon boiling water. Set aside.
2. Scrub mussels clean in several changes of fresh water and pull off beards. Discard any mussels that are cracked or do not close tightly when tapped. Put mussels into a saucepan with wine and water. Cover and cook over high heat, shaking pan frequently, 6-7 minutes or until shells open. Remove mussels, discarding any which remain closed. Strain liquid through a fine sieve and reserve.
3. Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Add onion, garlic, leek and fenugreek and cook gently 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add saffron mixture, 2-1/2 cups of reserved cooking liquid and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, keep 8 mussels in shells and remove remaining mussels from shells. Add all mussels to soup and stir in chopped parsley, salt, pepper and cream. Heat through 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve hot.

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Reviews (2)

Your Rating:

10

Wonderjane

Dec. 21, 2011

"I made this on the spur of the moment so picked up a package of Wholey frozen mussels (1lb) already cleaned and pre-cooked. I simply put the frozen block of mussles in a skillet and heated to release..." See more the broth they were frozen in, strained that liquid and reserved. Much easier! I add about a cup of carrot cut in bite sized pieces to the leek, onion garlic since I had fewer mussles. Rather than whipping cream, I used fat-free half & half because I had that on hand. This was a huge hit! So good, relatively easy served with warmed French bread, YUM! I think it's a pretty versitile recipe and you really can't go wrong with little changes. Thanks! I'll be making this A LOT!"

10

Tamic

Aug. 14, 2011

"Best soup Ive ever had! I added a cup of chopped celery in with onion and leek. Put minced garlic in when steaming the mussels I also used a cup of clam juice and only a half a cup of chicken broth...." See more Oh and last but not least a table spoon of red wine vinegar at the end. Trust me it makes all the difference."