This terrific starter or light supper recipe is perfect on a cold evening – the spicy mussel mix is full of warming flavours and interesting textures.
Ingredients
- 1kg mussels
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6-8 small, pink, Thai shallots, or normal shallots, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp finely grated ginger
- 1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 large pinch of saffron
- 100ml dry white wine
- 600ml vegetable stock
- 200ml double cream
- 6 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
- Lime wedges, to serve
Method
- 1. Scrub the mussel shells clean and remove any ‘beards’. Discard any mussels that do not close when tapped sharply on a work surface. Rinse in 3 changes of cold water to remove any grit, then drain in a colander and set aside.
- 2. Melt the butter in a large wok or frying pan over a high heat. Add the shallots, garlic, ginger, chilli and curry powder, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the saffron, white wine and stock to the wok or pan and bring to the boil. Cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- 3. Add the mussels to the wok or pan, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, carefully shaking the wok or pan occasionally.
- 4. Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and discard any that have not opened. Set aside. Add the cream to the cooking liquor and bring back to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes.
- 5. Return the mussels to the pan. Stir in the coriander, check the seasoning and divide between 4 large shallow soup bowls. Serve immediately with lime wedges and crusty bread to mop up the juices.
Nutritional info
Per serving: 398kcals, 32.2g fat (18.9g saturated), 14.1g protein, 9.4g carbs, 5g sugar, 0.9g salt
Wine Recommendation
For an exotic, perfumed match, pick an Alsace Gewurztraminer. Its off-dry flavour works well, too.