Healthy Food Recipes: Garlic and White Wine Mussels

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the mussels: a. Rinse the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing the shells to remove any dirt or debris. b. Remove the beard (the fibrous strands) from each mussel by pulling it firmly away from the shell. c. Discard any mussels that are cracked or have open shells that don’t close when tapped.

2. Cook the mussels: a. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. b. Add the garlic and shallot, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened. c. Pour in the white wine and broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. d. Add the cleaned mussels, cover the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up. e. Discard any mussels that did not open.

3. Finish the dish: a. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until it’s melted and incorporated. b. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve: a. Divide the mussels and cooking liquid among bowls. b. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Cook’s Note:

• Mussels are best cooked and consumed the same day they are purchased. Avoid mussels that have cracked or broken shells, as they may be spoiled.
• For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to the cooking liquid before serving.
• Pair the mussels with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño.
• Serve the mussels with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

This Garlic and White Wine Mussels recipe is a delicious and healthy seafood dish that can be prepared in under an hour. The combination of fresh mussels, garlic, white wine, and butter creates a flavorful and aromatic broth that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread.

Mussels are a nutritious and sustainable seafood choice, packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. By cooking the mussels in a simple broth with garlic and white wine, you can enjoy the natural flavors of the seafood without the need for heavy sauces or creams.

The preparation is straightforward, with the most time-consuming task being the cleaning and debearding of the mussels. Once that’s done, the rest of the dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serve the Garlic and White Wine Mussels with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal. The bright, acidic notes from the lemon juice and the herbal freshness of the parsley complement the rich, savory flavors of the mussels and broth perfectly.

This recipe is a great example of how healthy, seafood-based dishes can be both delicious and easy to prepare. Enjoy the Garlic and White Wine Mussels with your loved ones and savor the flavors of the sea.