Mussel Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 lbs mussels, cleaned and streamed, using half white wine and half water, reserving cooking liquid
• 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only, finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
• 2 large orange bell peppers, finely chopped
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. 1

   Pour reserved mussel cooking liquid through a fine sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into a bowl.

2. 2

   Set aside 24 mussels in their shells, then shuck the remaining mussels and halve them crosswise.

3. 3

   Wash the chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water. Then lift out and drain well.

4. 4

   Cook leeks, carrots, bell peppers and shallot with salt and pepper in the butter and oil in a 5 quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, uncovered, stirring 1 minute. Add the strained mussel cooking liquid and wine and simmer 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Stir in halved mussels and cream and simmer, until just heated through, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.