Magnificent Mussels
I absolutely adore almost anything that comes from the sea (with the exception of jellyfish - I just can’t get my head around it!), and this love is particularly strong when it comes to anything that resides in a shell. Crayfish, bugs (also known as slipper/shovelnose lobsters), crabs, prawns, pipis - they’re all marvellous, but one shell-residing critter that I adore but seem to rarely enjoy is the mussel.
At the markets earlier last week, I was meandering around the fish vendors when I spotted a tall water fountain-like box filled to the brim with these live beauties and I couldn’t help but wander over. Their gleaming black shells looked so beautiful under the rippling water that without any further hesitation, I nabbed a half-kilo and trundled off to pay, eager to get back home quickly and cook them up for my lunch.
Getting them home, I have to admit that I was a little stumped as to what to do with them (here’s a confession for you, I’d never actually cooked a mussel dish before! I’d used them as part of spicy seafood stews, but never used them for a dish that allowed them to shine in their simple glory!). A few hours at the markets meant that by the time I got home I was quite peckish, so I needed something that was quick and easy, so after perusing the internet for awhile, I decided on a simple poaching for my babies.
The recipe is much sparser than any other poached mussel recipes that I’ve seen on the net, but if you’re looking for a simple preparation that will take these babies from sink to plate in less than 10 minutes, give this a try 
Simple Poached Mussels
Ingredients
500g fresh, live mussels
1 cup light white wine (my current tipple is the Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc)
1 long red chilli, thinly sliced on a bias
2 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 onion, diced (I thought I had onion when starting prep…but I didn’t. Boo)
3 black peppercorns
1 tbsp salted butter
Lemons and coriander, to serve
1. Clean those mussels - scrub and debeard them and discard any that appear dead and/or have cracked shells (mussels very quickly become toxic once they die)
2. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat and once it has melted, add the chilli, garlic, onion and peppercorns. Fry till the garlic and chilli have softened, then add the wine and bring to a boil. Allow to boil till the liquid has reduced by almost half, then toss in the thoroughly cleaned mussels and put on a tightly fitting lid and allow to boil for 4-5 minutes.
3. Once time is up, turn off the heat and remove the lid of the pot. Remove the cooked and open mussels and plate up, then strain the poaching liquid over the top. Serve with wedges of lemon to freshen the flavour, and chopped coriander for a little colour
Technorati Tags: mussels, seafood, poached, savoury, recipes
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Comments
sharon Mussels always remind me of the summer for some reason. Not sure why, since I seem to enjoy them all year round! These look great. Thanks for the simple recipe that I’m sure is delicious.
Shari I’ve never thought of mussels as very photogenic, but yours look great! Especially with the red chili pepper. They are an easy dish, and tasty if they’re fresh! I’ve had a couple of fishy-tasting batches, which were awful. And I love the coriander peeking out on top.
we are never full ahhhh… this perfect summer recipe is reminding me that summer is on the way!! i think you may be in australia… if you are, i’m sorry i think your summer is on it’s way out.
this is a lovely recipe.
MyKitchenInHalfCups My husband would go crazy if I showed him this page. He loves mussels!
Hillary I like mussels too, and scallops! But I don’t like most fish. I’m odd. This looks fabulous though!!
Deborah Dowd Mussels are the simplest seafood- it seems like it just takes a bit of white wine, garlic and a touch of heat for a delicious meal (oh, and don’t forget the baguette!) Thanks for highlighting a delicious seafood staple!
Ellie Vanessa - Thanks
Sharon - Heh, I do as well, but that has more to do with the fact that we really only have the Korean fish/seafood stew in winter
Ann - Thanks
Farida - Aww, that’s a shame, they are so lovely
Shari - Aww shucks, thanks babe!
Kevin - I hope you give them a go, mussels are great!
We Are Never Full - Yup, definitely in winter here, but I think this would be great regardless of the season
Jasmine - Me too
Tanna - Show him! We should share the mussel love
Hillary - A bit, but you’re not the only one 
Deborah - My pleasure And you’re right about the baguette - a must!
steamy kitchen steamed mussels in sauce are so hard to photograph - mine always look messy, but yours are gorgeous!
this is lovely! great shot!