Moules marinières (Sailors’ mussels)
Moules marinières is a classic French/Belgian dish with lots of fresh herbs and garlic. Make sure you have some wonderful bread to soak up the sauce!
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
1 cup diced Vidalia onion
1 chile pepper (jalapeño, serrano or similar), sliced in half and seeded
1 bay leaf
8 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped oregano
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
1 lemon, juiced (about three tablespoons)
1/2 cup white wine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano) for garnish
Lemon slices or wedges, for garnish
In a large pan over medium heat pour enough olive oil to cover bottom of pan; add onions, chile and garlic; sauté until translucent. Add herbs, lemon juice and wine.
Add mussels, cover and steam for five minutes or until all the mussels are opened. Remove mussels to a large bowl.
Keeping the juice in the pan whisk in the butter and pour over the mussels. Garnish with herbs and lemon.