Description
Ina Garten’s mussels with saffron cream blend French coastal elegance with luxurious flavors. Delicate shellfish swim in a rich, aromatic sauce that brings Mediterranean charm right to your dinner table, inviting you to savor each sublime bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1½ cups dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (¼ stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup chopped shallots (2 shallots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon leaves
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Seasoning and Serving:
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Crusty baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious 12-inch pot or Dutch oven and warm it over medium-low temperature setting. Delicately melt the butter, then introduce finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and fragrant saffron threads. Gently sauté these aromatics for approximately 4 minutes until the shallots become translucent and the garlic releases its enticing aroma.
- Pour in half a cup (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) of white wine, followed by heavy cream, freshly grated lemon zest, and chopped tarragon. Elevate the heat to create a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the liquid to reduce and slightly thicken over 8-10 minutes, developing a rich, complex flavor profile. Season the developing sauce with precisely of salt and of freshly ground black pepper.
- Enhance the cooking liquid by adding the remaining of wine and an additional half cup (120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces) of water. Carefully introduce the cleaned mussels into the pot, covering with a tight-fitting lid. Increase heat to medium and bring to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, watching as the shells gradually open. Promptly remove and discard any mussels that remain stubbornly closed.
- Create a final flourish by generously sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and delicate chives over the dish. Incorporate an extra teaspoon of salt to elevate the seasoning. Transfer the mussels and their aromatic broth into shallow serving bowls, accompanied by crusty baguette slices perfect for soaking up the luxurious sauce.
Notes
- Treasure Hunt for Seafood: Seek out the ocean’s freshest jewels, spotting mussels with tightly sealed shells that whisper tales of pristine waters.
- Mussel Makeover: Transform these little creatures by gently scrubbing away their maritime disguise, revealing clean shells and removing their wispy beards.
- Saffron’s Secret Ritual: Awaken the golden threads, letting them dance and unfurl their luxurious essence into the creamy liquid.
- Precise Cooking Window: Watch like a hawk as shells slowly part, signaling their readiness – a moment too long turns tender morsels into rubber.
- Bread’s Noble Mission: Recruit a crusty baguette as your loyal sauce-soaking companion, ensuring not a single drop of the fragrant broth escapes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4 servings)
- Calories: 1267 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2917mg
- Fat: 47g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 122g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 76g
- Cholesterol: 209mg