French Seafood > French Mussels > French Steamed Mussels

Steamed Mussels with Beurre Monté Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Whisk
- Serving bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the white wine over medium-high heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Add the mussels to the pot and cover with a lid. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.
3. While the mussels are steaming, prepare the beurre monté. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Add the shallot and garlic to the butter and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Slowly whisk in the butter cubes, one at a time, until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the chopped parsley to the beurre monté and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Once the mussels have opened, remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in serving bowls.
8. Pour the beurre monté over the mussels and serve immediately.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 7 minutes
Temperature:
- Steaming temperature: Medium-high heat
- Beurre monté temperature: Low heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth
- Shallot can be substituted with onion
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or basil

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the beurre monté for a spicy twist
- Substitute mussels with clams or shrimp

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to discard any mussels that do not open during steaming
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce

Storage instructions:
- Leftover mussels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the mussels in a pot with the beurre monté and heat over low heat until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mussels in a large bowl with the beurre monté poured over the top
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beurre monté separates, whisk vigorously to bring it back together

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to discard any mussels that do not open during steaming
- Store leftover mussels in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days

Food history:
- Mussels have been a popular seafood dish for centuries, with evidence of their consumption dating back to ancient Rome

Flavor profiles:
- The mussels are briny and slightly sweet, while the beurre monté is rich and buttery with a hint of shallot and garlic

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main course

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Taste: Savory, Buttery, Briny, Garlicky, Umami