BILLI BI

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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

2 pounds mussels
2 shallots, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 small white onions, peeled and quartered
2 sprigs parsley, plus chopped parsley for garnish
Kosher salt
Pepper, to taste
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup dry white wine, like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cups heavy cream
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

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

akinsanya samson olushola
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I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves mussels. It's easy to make and the results are delicious.


Eliza Banda
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times and it's always a hit. The mussels are always tender and the sauce is always flavorful.


Liana
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I love this recipe because it's so versatile. I can add different vegetables or herbs depending on what I have on hand.


leah Denning
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The mussels cook in just a few minutes and the sauce is simple but delicious.


Shujaat Ali offical
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I've been making this recipe for years and it never disappoints. The mussels are always tender and juicy and the sauce is flavorful and aromatic.


Craig Necker
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This is my go-to recipe for billi bi. It's always a crowd-pleaser and the leftovers are even better the next day.


John Vary
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I made this dish for my family and they all loved it. The mussels were cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


SK Bd universe
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This recipe was a disaster! The mussels didn't open and the sauce curdled. I had to throw the whole thing away.


Sakshyam Deula
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Not bad, but not great either. The mussels were a bit tough and the sauce was too salty.


Caden Ward
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Meh. The mussels were overcooked and the sauce was bland. I wouldn't recommend this recipe.


Kari Hamrick
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I'm not usually a fan of seafood, but this dish changed my mind. The mussels were cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing. I would definitely order this dish again.


STELA David
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This dish was a hit at my party! Everyone loved the unique flavors and the presentation was beautiful. I will definitely be making this again for special occasions.


Md Asraful Islam
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I've tried many billi bi recipes before, but this one is by far the best. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the dish turned out perfectly. I highly recommend this recipe!


Onyeiwu Blessing
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This recipe was absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced and the dish was so easy to make. I will definitely be making this again soon.