Immerse yourself in a culinary journey with Billi Bi, a classic Italian seafood soup that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. This delectable dish, originating from the vibrant port city of Ancona, is a symphony of flavors that celebrates the bounty of the sea. Central to Billi Bi is the humble mussel, steamed to perfection and releasing its briny essence into a rich and flavorful broth. Accompanying the mussels is a medley of aromatic vegetables, including garlic, shallots, and celery, sautéed until softened and releasing their natural sweetness. A splash of white wine adds a touch of acidity and complexity, while freshly chopped parsley brings a vibrant freshness. This irresistible soup is not only a testament to the culinary traditions of Italy but also a celebration of the sea's bounty. Prepare to be captivated by the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this authentic Italian masterpiece.
**Recipes Included:**
1. **Classic Billi Bi Cream of Mussels Soup:** Master the art of this traditional Italian soup with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to select the freshest mussels, prepare the flavorful broth, and achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
2. **Quick and Easy Billi Bi Soup:** Short on time? This simplified version of Billi Bi soup offers a delicious compromise without compromising on taste. Utilizing pre-cooked mussels and a streamlined cooking process, you can still enjoy the essence of this classic dish in a fraction of the time.
3. **Creamy Billi Bi Soup with Saffron:** Elevate your Billi Bi soup experience with the addition of saffron, a prized spice that imparts a luxurious golden hue and a distinct earthy aroma. This variation will impress your dinner guests with its sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation.
4. **Billi Bi Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs:** Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this variation that incorporates fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of chili pepper. This delightful soup is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
5. **Vegan Billi Bi Soup:** Experience the essence of Billi Bi without the seafood with this plant-based interpretation. Featuring succulent mushrooms, hearty beans, and a flavorful vegetable broth, this vegan soup is a delicious and satisfying alternative that celebrates the bounty of the earth.
BILLI BI
Craig Claiborne, who brought this amazing cream of mussels soup to The Times in the 1960s and refined it over the years with his longtime kitchen collaborator Pierre Franey, once called it "the most elegant and delicious soup ever created." It is also one of the easiest to make. Use wine to steam open some mussels beneath a blanket of aromatics and use the resulting stock as a base for cream. Add the mussels and perhaps a grind of pepper. "One of the sublime creations on Earth," Claiborne wrote. Find more Times classic recipes.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, lunch, soups and stews, times classics, main course, side dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings as an entree, 8 as an appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Scrub mussels well to remove dirt and, if necessary, remove beards.
- Place mussels in large saucepan or Dutch oven and add shallots, onions, parsley, salt, pepper, cayenne, wine, butter, bay leaf and thyme. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until mussels have opened. Discard any that have not opened.
- Strain liquid through a colander lined with cheesecloth and reserve; this is the base for the soup.
- When cool enough to handle, remove mussels from shells and reserve. Discard shells and aromatics.
- Bring reserved liquid to a low boil in a small saucepan. Add cream and return mixture almost to a boil, then remove from heat. Let cool slightly then add egg yolk and stir to combine. Return saucepan to heat and let thicken slightly. (Do not boil.)
- Taste and adjust seasoning. To serve, arrange mussels in center of large soup dishes and spoon liquid over them. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 756, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 56 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 32 grams, Sodium 1122 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CREAM OF MUSSEL SOUP
Every New England cook has a personal version of mussel soup, depending on the favored regional herbs and cooking customs. Feel free to start with my recipe and develop your own luscious variation. -Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 45m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Tap mussels; discard any that do not close. Set aside. In a stockpot, combine the onions, celery, water, wine or broth, clam juice, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; add mussels. Cover and simmer until mussels have opened, 5-6 minutes. Remove mussels with a slotted spoon, discarding any unopened mussels; set aside opened mussels and keep warm., Cool cooking liquid slightly. In a blender, cover and process cooking liquid in batches until blended. Return all to pan. Add cream and reserved mussels; heat through (do not boil).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 368 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 1043mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
BILLI BI (CREAM OF MUSSELS SOUP)
Categories Soup/Stew Shellfish Stew Low Carb Quick & Easy Wheat/Gluten-Free Healthy
Yield 6-8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Pull the beards from the mussels. Scrub the mussels well under cold running water. Set aside. Combine the shallots, wine, and saffron threads in a pot large enough to hold the mussels. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover the pot tightly, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the mussels for 5-6 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally. Remove the mussels from the pot as their shells open. Remove the meat from the shells; refrigerate. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve. Heat the butter in a 3-quart pot over medium heat. Add the onion and stir to coat evenly. Cover the pot and cook the onion until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add the flour and cook, 3-4 minutes, stirring almost constantly with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the mussel cooking liquid and fish broth, using a whisk to work out any lumps after each addition. Add the sachet and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently, 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and skimming as necessary. Discard the sachet. Strain the soup through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Return the soup to the stove and bring to a simmer. Make a liaison by blending the egg yolk with the cream in a bowl. Stir in about 1 cup of the hot soup, then stir the heated liaison mixture into the soup. Simmer, 3 minutes. Add the mussel meat to the soup and simmer until the mussels are heated through. Adjust the seasoning. Serve in heated bowls.
MUSSEL SOUP BILLY-BI
Steps:
- Discard any mussels that have opened. Scrape off barnacles and scrub mussels with a stiff brush under running water; drain.
- In a 4 to 5-quart kettle over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the paprika and shallots and cook, stirring, until soft but not brown. Add the mussels in shells, parsley, peppercorns, and wine. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the mussels open (about 6 to 8 minutes). Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Remove the mussels from the liquid. Strain the liquid through a dampened cloth and measure it. Add fish broth to make 4 cups. Return liquid to the kettle (rinsed to remove any sand).
- Remove the mussels from the shells, discarding the shells. Pinch out and discard any "beards" from the mussels.
- To the liquid, add the cream. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat slightly, and boil until the soup is reduced by about one-fourth. Lower heat to medium. Taste and add salt, if needed. Add the mussels and cook until just heated through. Serve hot or chilled, garnished with parsley.
BILLI BI SOUP FROM PIERRE FRANEY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
This is considered to be the most elegant and delicious soup ever created! May be served hot or cold
Provided by carrie sheridan
Categories Mussels
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Scrub the mussels well to remove all exterior sand and dirt.
- Place them in a large kettle with the shallots, onions, parsley, salt, black pepper, cayenne, wine, butter, bay leaf and thyme.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Simmer 5-10 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.
- Discard any mussels that do not open.
- Strain the liquid through a double thickness of cheesecloth.
- Reserve the mussels for another use or remove them from the shells and use them as a garnish.
- Bring the liquid in the saucepan to a boil and add the cream.
- Retirn to boil and remove from the heat.
- Add the beaten egg yolk and return to the heat long enough for the soup to thicken slightly.
- DO NOT BOIL.
- Serve hot or cold.
- This dish may be enriched, if desired, by stirring 2 TBS of hollandaise sauce into the soup before it is served.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
- Use fresh mussels: Fresh mussels are essential for making a delicious billi bi soup. Make sure to buy them from a reputable seafood market.
- Clean the mussels properly: Mussels can contain sand and grit, so it's important to clean them thoroughly before cooking. Scrub the mussels under cold water with a stiff brush.
- Remove the beards: Mussels have a beard, which is a tough, fibrous material that attaches them to rocks. Remove the beards by pulling them out with your fingers or a pair of pliers.
- Cook the mussels until they open: Mussels should be cooked until they open. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don't overcook the mussels: Overcooked mussels become tough and chewy. Cook them just until they open, then remove them from the heat.
- Use a good quality white wine: The white wine used in the soup should be of good quality. A dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a good choice.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth used in the soup should be flavorful. A seafood broth or chicken broth is a good option.
- Add vegetables: Vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, can be added to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Garnish the soup: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, before serving.
Conclusion:
Billi bi cream of mussels soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual meal. The combination of fresh mussels, white wine, and flavorful broth creates a rich and satisfying soup that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love