Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Mussels in White Wine Sauce

This classic dish pairs tender mussels with a fragrant white wine sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious broth.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 shallots, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for more sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Mussels

• Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any dirt. Remove the "beards" by pulling them off with your fingers or a knife.
• Discard any mussels that are cracked or that remain open after being tapped lightly.

2. Sauté Aromatics

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
• Add the shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cook the Mussels

• Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth (if using), stirring to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the mussels. Cover the pot and steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

4. Finish the Sauce

• Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and place them in a serving bowl. Keep warm.
• Stir the lemon juice, parsley, and thyme into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Serve

• Pour the sauce over the mussels and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed rice to enjoy the sauce.

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Tips

• Fresh Mussels: Use fresh mussels and cook them the same day you buy them for the best flavor.
• Wine Substitute: Replace wine with vegetable or chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice if preferred.
• Add Cream: For a creamy version, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.

This Mussels in White Wine Sauce recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit for any seafood lover. Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine! 🥂