Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds of mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of frozen French fries
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the frozen French fries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the mussels and white wine to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mussels have opened.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and discard any mussels that did not open. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F. Fry the baked French fries for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve the mussels in bowls with the broth and chopped parsley. Serve the fries on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 25g
Carbohydrates per serving: 30g
Protein per serving: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of mussels, you can use clams or shrimp.
- Instead of white wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth.
- Instead of unsalted butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil.
- Instead of parsley, you can use cilantro or basil.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or sliced onions to the broth for extra flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of French fries.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to discard any mussels that did not open during cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor.
- Pat the mussels dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the broth.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot when frying the French fries.
Storage instructions:
Leftover mussels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the mussels, place them in a pot with the broth and heat over medium heat until hot. To reheat the fries, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until hot and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the mussels in individual bowls with the broth and chopped parsley on top. Serve the fries on a separate plate or in a basket.
Garnishes:
Garnish with lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mussels do not open during cooking, discard them.
- If the fries are not crispy, bake them for a few more minutes or fry them for a longer time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly clean and debeard the mussels before cooking.
- Discard any mussels that did not open during cooking.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Food history:
Mussels have been a popular food source for centuries, especially in coastal regions. French fries, also known as chips, are believed to have originated in Belgium in the late 17th century.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory and garlicky flavor from the mussels and broth, balanced with the crispy and salty French fries. The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main course for a casual dinner or as an appetizer for a seafood feast.
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Region: Belgian