Mussels in White Wine (Moules Marinières)
Steamed mussels is an inexpensive and easy meal that comes together quickly. The mussels steam in about three to five minutes. Plan on a pound per person as a main course. To steam four pounds I use two large pots. This recipe doubles easily for four servings or halve it for a single serving. The classic French liqueur Pernod is flavored with star anise and herbs, a wonderful addition to steamed mussels. See tips for buying mussels below. Serve alone or over pasta or zucchini noodles.
Servings: 2
Calories: 411kcal
Equipment
- large pot with lid
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small fennel bulb save fronds to chop for garnish, diced small
- ½ medium leek white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
- 1 large garlic clove chopped fine
- 3 ounces dry white wine or 5 ounces if not using Pernod
- 2 ounces Pernod
- 2 pounds fresh live mussels scrubbed clean and de-bearded
Garnishes
- 1 Roma tomato chopped fine
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley
- 1 small loaf bread to soak up the broth gluten-free or regular
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium-low heat and add olive oil. When warm, add the fennel and leek. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Do not brown the vegetables. Add the garlic and cook one minute.
- Move the pan off of the heat and carefully add the wine and Pernod. Place the pan back on the heat and allow broth to come to a boil. Add the mussels, cover with a tight fitting lid and turn heat down to medium. Steam mussels until they have opened, about 3-5 minutes. Check pan at 3 minutes. If they are mostly opened, replace lid, shake the pan and steam 1 minute longer. Turn off heat.
- To serve, distribute mussels between two warmed bowls, spoon broth over the top and garnish with tomatoes and herbs. Serve with bread to soak up all of the broth.
Nutrition
Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 1144mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1246IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 10mg