Lightly Curried Mussel Chowder Recipes

TOBY'S MUSSEL 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.

CURRIED MUSSEL AND POTATO CHOWDER WITH PEAS

Steps:

• Combine water, wine, curry powder, garlic, bay leaf and turmeric in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 8 minutes. Add mussels. Increase heat to high, cover and cook until mussels open, about 4 minutes(discard any mussels that do not open). Pour mixture into strainer set over large bowl; reserve cooking liquid in bowl. Cool mussels. Remove mussels from shells; discard shells.
• Meanwhile, cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. Transfer 1 cup potatoes to heavy large saucepan. Puree remaining potatoes and 1 cup milk in processor until smooth. Add puree to saucepan. Add reserved mussel cooking liquid, remaining 1/2 cup milk and peas. Bring to simmer. Stir in mussels. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.