Sailor’s Delight Mussels with White Wine Sauce

Certainly! Here’s a recipe for Sailor’s Delight Mussels with White Wine Sauce that is sure to impress!

Sailor’s Delight Mussels with White Wine Sauce

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Crusty bread or baguette, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparation and Cleaning of Mussels:

   • Start by rinsing the mussels thoroughly under cold water. Scrub the shells and remove the beards (the fibrous threads sticking out of the shell) by pulling them towards the hinge of the shell. Discard any mussels that are cracked, broken, or remain open even after being tapped gently.

2. Prepare the Base:

   • In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

3. Cook the Mussels:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine and chicken or seafood stock. Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.

4. Create the Sauce:

   • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large bowl and cover to keep warm. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream to the pot. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, add the unsalted butter, stirring until melted and the sauce is well combined.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Return the mussels to the pot, giving them a gentle stir to coat them with the sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Transfer the mussels and the delightful white wine sauce to a large serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Don’t forget to have plenty of crusty bread or a sliced baguette on hand for soaking up the delicious sauce!

Tips:

• Select Fresh Mussels: Fresh mussels should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
• Wine Selection: Use a good quality dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as this will enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Variations: You can add other herbs like thyme or tarragon. For an extra touch of flavor, try adding some diced tomatoes or thinly sliced fennel to the initial sauté.

Enjoy your Sailor’s Delight Mussels with White Wine Sauce, a dish that’s both elegant and comforting!