Spicy Mussel Soup

Adding mussels to a basic fish stock makes a rich, warming soup with a deep seafood flavor. Chili peppers add a Thai-inspired spiciness, and the coconut milk picks up the theme and also makes the broth even richer and more velvety. A sprinkle of fresh herbs just tops it off with something pretty and green.

The recipe also calls for some white wine, but you could leave that out if alcohol doesn’t work for you personally. The broth won’t taste quite the same, but it’s still very good without.

If February is getting a little cold and gray, this would be something a little bit different to warm up with. It’s not quite in the classic vegetable-soup mold of broth-based comfort food, but at this point in the winter most of us are looking for some variety anyway. Try it with a baked Okinawan sweet potato (the purple ones with the white flesh) or just with some quick vegetables as a nutrient-packed meal.

Spicy Mussel Soup Recipe

SERVES: 4 PREP: 15 min. COOK: 15 min.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 shallots, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups fish or vegetable stock
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 3 tbsp. chili paste
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. dried chili flakes
• 2 to 3 fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1/2 dry white wine (optional)
• Cooking fat
• Fresh cilantro, minced (to garnish)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Melt the cooking fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the shallots and garlic until browned and soft.
3. Pour in the white wine. Bring to a boil and let simmer until reduced by half.
4. Add the fish stock, coconut milk, chili paste, dried chili, basil leaves, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the mussels. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mussels have completely opened.
6. Serve the mussels with the sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.