Recipe: Classic Moules Mariniere (Mussels in White Wine)

the appetizer:

Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast by Emeril Lagasse, includes recipes like Bacon Braised Green Beans; Black Bean Cakes; and Classic Moules Mariniere (Mussels in White Wine).

Cookbook

Classic Moules Mariniere
(Mussels in White Wine)

4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total: 18 minutes

A classic white wine-based dish, with a touch of cream and lots of shallots and garlic. In the Provençal region of France, they add tomatoes to this dish; feel free to do so if you like. You can enjoy this with either crusty bread or toasted slices of French bread, as in the Bruschetta recipe on page 11 of the book. In French bistros, these mussels are traditionally served with pommes frites.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 sprigs fresh parsley,
plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 pounds (about 4 dozen) live mussels, well scrubbed,
rinsed, and debearded
Crusty French bread, for serving

1. In a large deep sauté pan or a large wide saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and herb sprigs and cook, stirring, until the shallots are soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine, heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.

2. Add the mussels, cover the pan, and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels have opened, 5 to 6 minutes.

3. Remove the pan 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 French bread for dipping.