Mussel and Saffron Soup

• 1 kg fresh mussels
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 14oz can peeled plum tomatoes
• two generous pinches saffron threads
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 150 ml dry white wine
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 150 ml 35% cream
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Heat the oil in a deep, heatproof dish and sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat until soft and lightly coloured. Add the tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up slightly. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the saffron, thyme and wine and stir to mix well. Stir in the mussel liquor, taste and adjust the seasoning, using salt sparingly.

Five minutes before serving, add the reserved mussels to the soup with the cream. Stir to mix well, then reheat gently without allowing it to boil, until the mussels are heated through. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with crusty French bread.

• Yields: 4 - 6 servings
• Preparation Time: one hour