Moules Mussels À La MariniÈre Recipes

MOULES MARINIèRE WITH CREAM, GARLIC AND PARSLEY

Steps:

• Wash the mussels under plenty of cold, running water. Discard any open ones that won't close when lightly squeezed.
• Pull out the tough, fibrous beards protruding from between the tightly closed shells and then knock off any barnacles with a large knife. Give the mussels another quick rinse to remove any little pieces of shell.
• Soften the garlic and shallots in the butter with the bouquet garni, in a large pan big enough to take all the mussels - it should only be half full.
• Add the mussels and wine or cider, turn up the heat, then cover and steam them open in their own juices for 3-4 minutes. Give the pan a good shake every now and then.
• Remove the bouquet garni, add the cream and chopped parsley and remove from the heat.
• Spoon into four large warmed bowls and serve with lots of crusty bread.

AHOY THERE! MOULES MARINIèRES - FRENCH SAILOR'S MUSSELS

Steps:

• Place the live mussels in fresh water. Scrub and debeard the mussels (see the photos), discarding any that are open, broken or cracked.
• Fry the chopped onion and chopped garlic cloves (over medium heat) in a little butter (or oil) in the biggest saucepan you have. Add half of the finely chopped fresh herbs - I have used a mixture of parsley, oregano and tarragon. Season with black pepper, wait to season with salt to taste later.
• Add the white wine to the butter and herbs, and then tip in the freshly cleaned mussels - turn up the heat to high. Cover the pan and let the mussels steam for about 5 minutes. Shake the pan every minute or so to coat the mussels in the liquid.
• Take the pan off the heat and add the double cream or creme fraiche; then add of the remaining finely chopped herbs. Mix through thoroughly. That's it! Enjoy with crusty bread, frites and a chilled white wine -- divine!
• NB: Discard any mussels that don't open during cooking. (see photos).

MUSSELS SAILOR STYLE (MOULES MARINIERE)

Steps:

• Place mussels in bowl and cover with cold water.
• Discard any that are open or cracked.
• Scrub under cold running water and remove beards.
• Melt butter in a large pot, stir in shallots and garlic and saute gently until soft.
• Add wine and bouquet garni.
• Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
• Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
• Add mussels and cover pot.
• Cook over high heat until mussels open.
• Remove mussels from pot with a slotted spoon, set aside (keep warm).
• Discard any mussels that did not open.
• Boil the remaining liquid (with bouquet garni) until reduced to half, then return mussels to the pan and heat through.
• Sprinkle with parsley and stir.
• Place mussels into a warmed serving dish and pour liquid over top.
• Serve.