Texas Periwinkle Soup
Texas Periwinkle Soup Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful American Dish
Introduction
Texas Periwinkle Soup is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken stock, potatoes, bacon, and periwinkles. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
History
Periwinkles are small sea snails that are commonly found along the coast of Texas. They have been a staple in Texas cuisine for centuries, with Native American tribes using them in various dishes. This recipe combines traditional Texas ingredients with a modern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 0.5 tsp tarragon
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup milk
- 0.25 cup butter
- 1.5 cup cleaned periwinkles
- 0.5 cup light cream
- pinch cayenne pepper
How to prepare
- In a large soup pot, heat chicken stock, potatoes, tarragon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet and lightly sauté the cleaned Periwinkle meat (see below), onion, celery, and bacon.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the stock. Stir in wine and simmer until potatoes are cooked. Do not boil.
- Slowly add milk and cream, stirring constantly. Do not boil or it will curdle. Add cayenne.
- To clean Periwinkles: take a saucepan full of water and add a small amount of salt. Bring to a boil and add the snails. Let them simmer for a few minutes, then remove and use a toothpick to pull the meat from the shells.
- The saltwater helps shrink and toughen the meat, making it easier to remove. Be careful not to boil them for too long, as it will result in a tough and chewy meal.
Variations
- Add diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
- Substitute shrimp or crab meat for the periwinkles for a different twist on the recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to clean the periwinkles thoroughly before adding them to the soup. This will ensure that they are free of any grit or sand.
- Do not boil the soup once the milk and cream have been added, as this can cause the mixture to curdle. Instead, simmer gently until heated through.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Texas Periwinkle Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to simmer the soup gently to avoid curdling the milk and cream.
- Use a toothpick to easily remove the periwinkle meat from the shells.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- Substitute coconut milk for the dairy milk and cream for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. - Serve the soup in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on top.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Texas Periwinkle Soup with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Serve the soup as a starter before a main course of grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- 250 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
Fats
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 9g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Alergens
Contains dairy (milk, cream, butter)
- Contains shellfish (periwinkles)
Summary
This Texas Periwinkle Soup is a rich and creamy dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Texas Periwinkle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
How did I get this recipe?
It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Texas Periwinkle Soup. The sun was shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my collection of old cookbooks, looking for something new and exciting to try. As I flipped through the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out onto the counter. Curious, I picked it up and read the faded handwriting scrawled across it: "Texas Periwinkle Soup."
I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name alone intrigued me. I could almost taste the rich, savory flavors just by reading the words. I knew I had to give it a try.
The recipe itself was a bit vague, with ingredients like "a handful of fresh periwinkles" and "a dash of Texas charm." But I was undeterred. I had learned over the years that the best recipes were often the ones that left room for interpretation and creativity.
I set out to gather the ingredients, starting with a trip to the local seafood market to procure the elusive periwinkles. The fishmonger raised an eyebrow when I asked for them, but he knew me well enough to trust that I wouldn't be disappointed with my purchase.
Back in my kitchen, I set to work cleaning and preparing the periwinkles, marveling at their tiny, spiral-shaped shells. Their delicate flavor would be the perfect complement to the hearty broth I was planning to make.
Next, I turned my attention to the other ingredients: onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a medley of spices that would give the soup its unmistakable Texan flair. As I chopped and sautéed, the familiar scents of my kitchen mingled with the new and exotic aromas of the periwinkles.
Once everything was simmering away on the stove, I took a moment to reflect on how far I had come in my culinary journey. I had learned to cook from my own mother, who had learned from her mother before her. Each generation had passed down not just recipes, but a love and appreciation for good food and the joy of sharing it with others.
As the soup bubbled and boiled, the flavors melding together into a delicious symphony of tastes and textures, I couldn't help but think about all the other recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family members, and still others from chance encounters and unexpected sources.
But it was this recipe for Texas Periwinkle Soup that felt like a true treasure. It spoke to me of adventure and discovery, of trying new things and embracing the unknown. It reminded me that there was always more to learn and explore, even in the familiar and everyday world of my own kitchen.
When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished each one with a sprig of fresh cilantro. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrant steam rising from the bowl, and then I took my first taste.
The flavors were even better than I had imagined. The periwinkles added a subtle sweetness and brininess to the broth, while the spices and vegetables lent a depth and complexity that danced across my taste buds. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, a true masterpiece of culinary artistry.
As I savored each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my repertoire. It would join the ranks of my other beloved dishes, each one a story in itself, each one a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that cooking can bring.
And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I sat at my kitchen table, a bowl of Texas Periwinkle Soup in front of me, feeling grateful for all the recipes I had learned and all the memories I had created along the way. And I knew that there would always be more to discover, more to taste, more to share with those I loved.
For in the kitchen, as in life, the possibilities were endless. And I was ready to savor every last one of them.
Categories
| American Recipes | Bacon Recipes | Periwinkle Recipes | Potato Recipes | Soup Recipes | White Wine Recipes |