Seafood Delight: Mussel and Avocado Soup
This delightful Mussel and Avocado Soup is inspired by a culinary experience from the renowned Nørrebro Bryghus microbrewery in Copenhagen. Each bowl is a harmonious blend of fresh mussels, creamy avocado, and juicy grape tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth enhanced by the subtle notes of lager beer and fresh thyme. Perfect as a first course or a light meal, this soup embodies the essence of coastal cuisine, making it an ideal dish for seafood lovers. Enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh dill for an aromatic finish.
6
Servings
267
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leeks
1 1/2 lbs (Quartered lengthwise and sliced crosswise)
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Fresh Thyme
4 sprigs (3-inch sprigs)
Lager Beer
1 (12 ounce) bottle
Water
1 1/2 cups
Mussels
3 lbs (Scrubbed well and beards removed (preferably cultivated))
Half-and-Half
1 cup
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Coarsely Ground White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Firm-Ripe Avocado
1 (8 ounce) (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Grape Tomatoes
18 (Halved)
Fresh Dill
3 tablespoons (Coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the leeks in a bowl of cold water. Be sure to agitate them to remove any dirt or sand. Once clean, lift the leeks from the water and pat them dry.
2
In a large, heavy 5-quart pot, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3
Add the fresh thyme to the pot and stir for another minute to release the flavors. Pour in the lager beer and water, stirring to combine. Increase the heat to moderately high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, add the scrubbed mussels. Cover the pot partially and allow the liquid to return to a boil. Then, cover completely and cook for about 4 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mussels have opened wide. Discard any mussels that do not open.
5
Transfer the opened mussels to a large bowl, discarding the shells and any leeks that cling to them. Pour the cooking liquid that has accumulated in the bowl back into the pot.
6
Strain the cooking liquid using a sieve lined with a double layer of cheesecloth or dampened paper towels into a separate heavy saucepan. Add the half-and-half, salt, and white pepper, stirring to combine. Heat over moderately low heat until hot, being careful not to let it boil. Add the mussels back to the pot and warm through.
7
While the soup is warming, prepare the avocado. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and peel one half (wrap the remaining half tightly in plastic wrap for later use). Cut the peeled half into 1/2-inch cubes and gently mix with the halved grape tomatoes and chopped dill in a bowl.
8
To serve, divide the warm soup among 6 shallow bowls. Top each with a generous spoonful of the avocado and tomato mixture. Serve immediately for a delicious and refreshing seafood experience.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
23g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary inspiration for the Seafood Delight: Mussel and Avocado Soup?
The soup is inspired by a culinary experience at the Nørrebro Bryghus microbrewery in Copenhagen.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of beer should be used for the broth?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce bottle of lager beer.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How should the leeks be prepared before cooking?
Leeks should be quartered lengthwise, sliced crosswise, and thoroughly washed in cold water to remove dirt or sand.
What is the recommended cooking time for the mussels?
Mussels should be cooked for 4 to 8 minutes until they have opened wide.
Should I keep the mussel shells for serving?
No, the opened mussels should be removed from their shells, and the shells should be discarded before serving.
What should I do with mussels that do not open after cooking?
Any mussels that do not open after the cooking process should be discarded.
How is the cooking liquid refined for the broth?
The liquid is strained through a sieve lined with a double layer of cheesecloth or dampened paper towels.
What kind of cream is used to enrich the soup?
The recipe uses 1 cup of half-and-half.
What are the key toppings for the soup?
The soup is topped with a mixture of cubed avocado, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped fresh dill.
How much fat is in one serving of Mussel and Avocado Soup?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of coarsely ground white pepper.
How many pounds of mussels are required?
The recipe requires 3 lbs of mussels, preferably cultivated, scrubbed well with beards removed.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
The soup contains 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is needed to sauté the leeks?
You will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can the soup be boiled after adding the half-and-half?
No, you should heat the soup over moderately low heat until hot, being careful not to let it boil.
What is the preparation for the fresh dill?
The fresh dill should be coarsely chopped (about 3 tablespoons).
How should the avocado be prepared?
Use a firm-ripe 8-ounce avocado, peel it, and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
How many grape tomatoes are used in the garnish?
The recipe uses 18 grape tomatoes, which should be halved.
How much water is added to the beer base?
Add 1 1/2 cups of water along with the lager beer.
How many sprigs of thyme are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, each about 3 inches long.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large, heavy 5-quart pot is ideal for cooking the soup.
How long do you sauté the leeks?
Cook the leeks for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened.
Is this soup considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a first course or a light meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, seafood, mussels, avocado, tomatoes, dill, gourmet, and comfort food.
Should the avocado mixture be added to the pot or the bowl?
The avocado and tomato mixture should be added as a topping to each individual serving bowl.
How much salt is used in the broth?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What should you do with the cooking liquid that accumulates in the bowl after removing mussels?
Pour that liquid back into the main pot before straining to ensure no flavor is lost.