Slow-Cooker Leek–Potato Mussel Chowder (Finish-in-the-Pot) — Serves 2
Hands-off, cozy chowder-style stew that uses WA-winter leeks + potatoes and your on-sale mussels. Finish with lemon for brightness. (No pasta, no cod bake, and not similar to your recent mussels + linguine.)
Back to full listIngredients
- Fresh Wild Mussels (never frozen; sustainably sourced) 2 lb (yields ~10–14 oz meat after shells) for 2 people $5.99 sale (was $12.99) per lb
- Organic Leeks (2–3 per bunch) 1 large leek (about 1/2 lb), white + light green only $5.49/lb
- Organic Russet Potatoes (or Organic Yellow Potatoes) 12 oz, diced 1/2-inch $2.29/lb (russet) or $2.49/lb (yellow)
- Sleeved Celery 1 rib, thin-sliced $2.49/lb
- Organic Garlic (or Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs 3-ct) 2 cloves, minced $6.99/lb or $2.79 (3 ct)
- Pantry: butter or olive oil 1 tbsp
- Pantry: dry white wine (or extra broth) 1/2 cup
- Pantry: chicken/seafood broth or water + bouillon 2 cups
- Pantry: bay leaf 1
- Pantry: dried thyme 1/2 tsp
- Pantry: black pepper to taste
- Pantry: half-and-half or cream 1/2 cup (optional but recommended)
- Pantry: lemon 1/2 lemon, juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prep mussels: Scrub and debeard. Discard any that are cracked or won’t close when tapped.
- Build the slow-cooker base: Add leek, potatoes, celery, garlic, butter, wine, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook: LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Steam mussels at the end (important): Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Add mussels, cover, and cook 12–18 minutes until shells open (stir once halfway). Discard any unopened mussels.
- Finish: Stir in half-and-half/cream if using and cook 5 minutes more. Add lemon juice to taste. Taste for salt (broth varies).
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, making sure each bowl gets plenty of mussels and potatoes. Great with crusty bread if you have it.
Health notes: Protein-rich; moderate fat depending on dairy. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten; watch sodium if your broth is salted.
Drink pairing: Wine: WA Chardonnay or dry Riesling. Beer: pilsner or saison.