Deliciously Golden Saffron Mussel Soup Mediterranean recipe finale

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes 1 kg (2.2 lb) fresh mussels 20 g (0.7 oz) unsalted butter, to cook the mussels 40 g (1.5 oz) finely chopped shallots 1 handful of chopped parsley, plus more to garnish 150 ml dry white wine 30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter, to cook the onions 1 onion, finely diced 1 small carrot, finely chopped 1 leek, white part only, finely sliced 1 fennel bulb, finely diced 20 g (0.7 oz) all-purpose flour 2 bay leaves 1 sprig of thyme 500 ml (2 cups) premade seafood or fish stock, or a homemade one Pepper to season 100 g (3.5 oz) tinned chopped tomatoes 1 star anise 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream One pinch of saffron threads chopped finely