Mussel Soup with Avocado, Tomato, and Dill

Ingredients for Mussel Soup with Avocado, Tomato, and Dill

• 675g leeks (3 medium

• white and pale green parts only), quartered lengthwise, then sliced crosswise

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 (3-inch) sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 (350g) bottle lager

• 350ml water

• 1.4kg mussels (preferably cultivated), scrubbed well and beards removed if attached

• 150g half-and-half

• 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons coarsely ground white pepper

• 1 (230g) firm-ripe avocado

• 18 very small grape or pear tomatoes (110g ), halved

• 45ml coarsely chopped fresh dill

How to make Mussel Soup with Avocado, Tomato, and Dill

Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out leeks and pat dry.

Cook leeks in butter in a wide 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add thyme and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in beer and water, then increase heat to moderately high and bring to a boil. Add mussels and return liquid to a boil, partially covered. Cook, completely covered, stirring occasionally, just until mussels open wide, checking frequently after 4 minutes and transferring to a large bowl. (Discard any mussels that remain unopened after 8 minutes.)

Working over a bowl, remove mussels from shells and put in bowl (discard shells along with any clinging leeks). Pour any cooking liquid accumulated in bowl back into pot.

Pour cooking liquid through a sieve lined with a double layer of cheesecloth or dampened paper towels into a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in half-and-half, salt, and white pepper, then heat over moderately low heat until hot (do not let boil). Stir in mussels and heat until just warmed through.

Meanwhile, halve avocado, then peel 1 half (wrap remaining half tightly in plastic wrap and reserve for another use). Cut into 1/2-inch cubes, then toss gently with tomatoes and dill in a bowl.

Divide soup among 6 shallow bowls and spoon some avocado mixture into each. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.