A deep, rustic red broth brimming with mussels in their shells, bobbing among chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of golden olive oil. This enticing dish is all finishing off with a crusty slice of toasted bread on the side, creating a beautiful contrast against the vibrant dish.

Mussel Medley Vegetable Soup

Name: Mussel Medley Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: fresh mussels, 2 lb cleaned and de-bearded; large onion, 1 chopped; large carrots, 2 peeled and chopped; stalks celery, 2 chopped; cloves garlic, 3 minced; can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz; bay leaf, 1; dried oregano, 1 teaspoon; red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon; vegetable broth, 4 cups; olive oil, 2 tablespoons; salt and pepper, to taste; toast, for serving; fresh parsley, for garnish

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style American

Technique Boiling

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: February 18, 2026

With its vibrant flavors and appealing textures, this unique interpretation of a classic soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for a chilly day. The mussels add a wonderful oceanic taste, and when combined with a rich tomato-based broth and fresh seasonal vegetables, it's nothing short of a feast for the senses. Carrots and celery add a sweet and earthy balance to the broth, while fresh herbs bring a beautiful aromatic finish to this feast.

Ingredients (for 4)

Fresh mussels - 2 lb - cleaned and de-bearded
Large onion - 1 - chopped
Large carrots - 2 - peeled and chopped
Stalks celery - 2 - chopped
Cloves garlic - 3 - minced
Can crushed tomatoes - 28 oz
Bay leaf - 1
Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable broth - 4 cups
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper - to taste
Toast - for serving
Fresh parsley - for garnish

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥘🥕🧅

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2 - 🧄🌿🌶️

Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Step 3 - 🍅🍲🌿

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, adding the bay leaf and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 - 🥘🔪🦪

Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, covering and cooking for about 10 minutes, or until mussels have opened.
Step 5 - 🥘♻️🦪

Remove and discard any unopened mussels.
Step 6 - 🍵🍞🌿

Garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley and a swirl of olive oil. Serve warm with a side of toast.

Additional

Fun Fact: Mussels are not only yummy, they're also one of the most sustainable types of shellfish you can eat. Moreover, they are a great source of lean protein, low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. You can feel good about serving your family this soup, both for its delightful taste and its health virtues.