Chilled Mussels With Saffron Mayonnaise Recipes

MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• For the mayonnaise, soak the saffron in 1 tablespoon of hot water in a small bowl for 5 minutes. Whisk in the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the mussels, combine the fleur de sel and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside. Heat a large, dry (12-inch) cast iron skillet over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until very hot. Add the mussels in a single layer and cook them for one minute, until they start to open. Add the wine and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mussels are fully opened and just cooked. (Discard any that don't open.) Off the heat, sprinkle the mussels generously with the salt and pepper mixture. Serve hot from the skillet with individual bowls of saffron mayonnaise for dipping.

CHILLED MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• Make the mussels: Bring water, wine, and garlic to a simmer in a large skillet. Add mussels, and cover tightly. Cook, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to a bowl as they open. Discard any unopened mussels. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the saffron mayonnaise: Simmer garlic in a small saucepan of water until tender, 15 minutes. Drain, and let cool. Crush saffron threads and 3/4 teaspoon salt with a mortar and pestle or with the back of a spoon. Puree garlic, yolks, and saffron salt in a food processor, or in a bowl using an immersion blender. With machine running, add vegetable oil in a slow, steady trickle, until mixture begins to emulsify. Continue adding remaining vegetable oil slowly, processing until incorporated. Gradually add olive oil, vinegar, and water, blending until silky. Transfer to a small bowl. (Mayonnaise can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.) Stir before serving.
• Remove mussels from their shells, and return each one to a half shell. Spoon mayonnaise on top of each mussel, and serve with vegetables on the side and remaining mayonnaise for dipping.

CHILLED MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON MAYO

Steps:

• Scrub mussels, pull off any tough "beards" from sides of shells, and discard any mussels that aren't tightly closed. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring wine and onion to a boil over high heat. Add mussels; cook, covered, until they open, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and let stand until cool enough to handle. Discard any closed mussels.
• Separate mussels from shells using a sharp knife. Set each mussel on a half-shell (choose flattish ones) and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover and chill.
• Toast saffron in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring, until slightly darker, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
• In a blender, whirl garlic, roasted pepper, saffron, cayenne, and lemon zest and juice until smooth. Add mayonnaise and whirl to blend. Scrape into a bowl.
• Pour salt onto 2 platters. Set mussels level on salt. Dollop mayo on each and top with a parsley leaf.
• Make ahead: Through step 4, up to 1 day, chilled airtight; through step 5, up to 3 more hours, chilled uncovered.