Chowder is a really wonderful meal at any time of the year. It is not as complicated as some may think. Keep it simple and it stores very well in an air-tight container in the fridge for a few days.

Ingredients needed

2 Carrots

2 Celery Sticks

1 Leek (onion)

2 Potatoes (large)

500 grams Mixed Fish cut in large cubes (white fish and salmon)

1 kg Mussels

2 heaped tablespoons Flour

1 ½ pints Liquid (stock from mussels and water)

100 mls cream or milk

1 tablespoon of butter

Method

Chop all the vegetables into small cubes. Heat the butter in a pot and add the chopped vegetables. Simmer over medium heat until they have softened approx.5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile add 2 decent tablespoons of water to another pot and add the mussels. Cover and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and stir the mussels around until they have opened .Drain reserving the liquid.

Add the flour to the softened vegetables stirring until it is all absorbed. Then gradually add the liquid stirring all the time. Simmer for approx. 5 minutes. Add the fish at this point and be careful not to stir too heavily as the fish will break up easily. Simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile take the mussel meat from the shell and reserve. Finally add the cream or milk and just before serving add the mussel meat.

Delicious served with brown bread. Enjoy!