Traditional Moules Mariniere Food

MOULES MARINIERE

Steps:

• In a large deep saute pan or pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and herb sprigs, and cook, stirring, until fragrant and the shallots are soft, about 1 minute. Add the wine, pepper, and salt and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels are opened, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and discard any mussels that have not opened. Transfer the mussels and their liquid to a large, deep serving bowl and garnish with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the French bread croutons for dipping.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet and brush 1 side of each slice first with the cut garlic cloves and then with the olive oil, and then lightly season with the salt and pepper. Bake until light golden brown, about 8 minutes.
• Cool slightly on the baking sheet before handling or serving.

MOULES MARINIèRE

Steps:

• Place the mussels, the white wine, and the garlic in a large stockpot, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels open, then cook for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and shower the mussels with black pepper. Mince the parsley and shower it over the mussels as well. Evenly divide the mussels among 4 shallow soup bowls, and pour the cooking juices over all. Serve immediately.

MOULES MARINIERES - BELGIAN MUSSELS

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a casserole pot.
• Add onions, celery, and saute for a few minutes.
• Add the wine a bring to the boil.
• Add the mussels and place lid on pot give a good shake to mix.
• Cook until mussels have opened shaking even now and again.
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter, cream and the parsley and stir.
• Serve with crusty bread or as in Belgium with frites.

MOULES MARINIERE

Steps:

• Put mussels, butter, wine, shallots, salt, and thyme in a medium pot. Cover, and cook over high heat, shaking pot occasionally, until mussels open, about 4 minutes. (Discard any unopened shells.) Sprinkle with parsley; gently toss. Divide mussels and broth among 4 deep bowls.

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).