If you're a seafood lover, then you're probably familiar with the deliciousness of steamed mussels in white wine cream sauce. This dish is a classic French recipe that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of fresh mussels, creamy sauce, and white wine creates a flavour that is simply irresistible. In this article, we'll show you how to prepare and cook steamed mussels in white wine cream sauce that will impress your family and friends.
Preparing Your Mussels Before you start cooking, it's important to properly prepare your mussels. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any beards or debris. It's also important to discard any mussels that are already open, as they may be dead and could make you sick. Once your mussels are clean, you're ready to start cooking.
Cooking and Serving To cook your mussels, you'll need a deep skillet or pot with a lid. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter and olive oil until softened. Then, add your mussels and white wine to the skillet and cover with a lid. Steam the mussels until they open, which should take about 5 minutes. Once they're cooked, remove the mussels from the skillet and set them aside. Add cream, salt, and pepper to the remaining liquid in the skillet and stir until it thickens. Finally, pour the sauce over the mussels and serve with crusty bread.
Key Takeaways
- Properly preparing your mussels is crucial to the success of this dish.
- Cooking your mussels in a deep skillet or pot with a lid is the best way to ensure they cook evenly.
- Serving your mussels with crusty bread is a must to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Preparing Your Mussels
If you're planning to make steamed mussels with white wine cream sauce, it's important to prepare your mussels properly to ensure they are safe to eat and taste delicious. Here are some tips for preparing your mussels:
Cleaning and Debearding
Before cooking your mussels, it's important to clean them properly. Start by placing your mussels in a colander and rinsing them under cold running water. Scrub the shells with a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, check each mussel for a beard, which is a fibrous strand that helps the mussel attach to rocks or other surfaces. To remove the beard, hold the mussel in one hand and use a firm grip to pull the beard away from the shell. If the beard doesn't come off easily, use a knife to cut it away.
Choosing the Right Mussels
When choosing mussels, look for ones that are tightly closed and smell fresh. Avoid any mussels that are open, as they may be dead and unsafe to eat. It's also important to avoid mussels that are cracked or damaged, as they may have been exposed to bacteria or other contaminants.
To ensure your mussels are fresh, it's best to buy them on the day you plan to cook them. If you can't cook them right away, store them in a bowl with a damp cloth over the top and keep them in the fridge. Don't store them in water, as this can cause them to suffocate and die.
Soaking
Some people recommend soaking mussels in cold water before cooking to help remove any sand or grit. However, this is not necessary if you have cleaned your mussels properly. Soaking mussels can actually cause them to take on more water, which can dilute the flavour of your dish.
Cooking and Serving
Creating the White Wine Cream Sauce
To create the perfect white wine cream sauce for your steamed mussels, begin by melting some butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add some chopped onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Next, add some dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, and chicken broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly.
Once the sauce has reduced, add some heavy cream and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Finally, add some chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Steaming the Mussels
To steam your mussels, begin by cleaning them thoroughly under cold running water. Discard any mussels that are open or have broken shells. Next, add the cleaned mussels to the pot with the white wine cream sauce and cover with a lid. Allow the mussels to steam for 5-6 minutes, or until they have opened.
Be sure to discard any mussels that do not open, as they may not be safe to eat. Once the mussels have opened, remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Garnishes and Accompaniments
To serve your steamed mussels in white wine cream sauce, ladle the mussels and sauce into bowls and garnish with some chopped fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve with some crusty bread or a baguette on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving your mussels with some steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. A glass of chilled white wine, such as pinot grigio or chardonnay, is the perfect accompaniment to this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a creamy garlic mussels sauce?
The secret to a creamy garlic mussels sauce is to use fresh ingredients and quality white wine. Make sure to sauté the garlic and shallots until they are fragrant before adding the white wine and cream. This will help to infuse the sauce with flavour and prevent it from becoming too watery.
Can I use any type of pasta with mussels in white wine sauce?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta with mussels in white wine sauce. Linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine are all popular choices. However, it's best to choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well, such as spaghetti or linguine.
How do you keep white wine cream sauce from curdling?
To prevent white wine cream sauce from curdling, make sure to add the cream slowly and stir constantly. It's also important to remove the sauce from the heat as soon as it starts to thicken. If the sauce does start to curdle, you can try whisking in a little more cream or butter to help bring it back together.
What are the best accompaniments for mussels in cream sauce?
Mussels in cream sauce are delicious served with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. You can also serve them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans.
What are the essential ingredients for a classic mussel sauce?
The essential ingredients for a classic mussel sauce are garlic, shallots, white wine, cream, and mussels. You can also add herbs such as thyme or parsley to add extra flavour.
Is it safe to reheat mussels in their sauce, and if so, how?
It is safe to reheat mussels in their sauce, but you should do so carefully to avoid overcooking the mussels. To reheat, simply heat the sauce in a pan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Add the mussels and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.