Moules Farcies Gratinees French Mussels Wgreen Garlic Butter Recipes

MOULES FARCIES GRATINEES - FRENCH MUSSELS W/GREEN GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 4 cups water with 3 tablespoons salt and stir to dissolve the salt. Add the mussels and let stand for about 1 hour to rid the mussels of any bits of sand, then drain well. Place the mussels in a clean bowl and refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 1 day.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange the mussels in a single layer in a shallow baking pan, discarding any that do not close to the touch, and add the shallots and wine. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake just until the shells open, about 10 minutes. Remove the mussels from the oven and let cool in the pan. Remove the mussels from the wine, discarding any that failed to open, and discard the wine (or strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve for adding to a fish soup or stew). Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, process the bread pieces until they form coarse crumbs. Measure out 1 cup and set aside; reserve the remainder for another use.
• Make the green garlic butter, if using. (see recipe #299317,optional).
• Working with one mussel at a time, pull off and discard the top shell and run a small, sharp knife around the mussel meat to free it from the bottom shell. Lay the mussels, still in their bottom shells, in a single layer in the baking pan. Spoon an equal amount of the green garlic butter (recipe #299317, optional) onto each mussel and sprinkle the crumbs generously on top.
• Return the mussels to the oven and bake until the tops are sizzling, the butter is melted and fragrant, and the crumbs are crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
• Transfer to a platter and serve at once, with the lemon wedges on the side.
• Good with a crisp, chilled white wine such as Muscadet or Sancerre!
• Note: Makes six servings as an appetizer, or about three main dish servings.

TRADITIONAL FRENCH GREEN GARLIC BUTTER WITH PASTIS

Steps:

• In a food processor, process the garlic until pureed, then add the parsley and process until finely minced mixture forms.
• Cut the butter into 3 or 4 pieces and add to the parsley mixture along with the green onions, tarragon, and pastis. Process until combined.
• Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and enough cream to create a soft, fluffy mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spoon an equal amount of the green garlic butter on to each precooked and open mussel (see mussels recipe #299761), sprinkle breadcrumbs generously on top. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until butter is melted and fragrant, and the crumbs are crisp. Makes enough for 3 lbs. mussels. (Alternatively, you can transfer butter mixture to a small saucepan and heat through on medium to medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently and being careful not to burn, until butter is melted and fragrant. Drizzle over seafood of your choice).
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges, slices of French bread for mopping the juices, and a crisp, chilled white wine such as Muscadet, Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc! Bon appetit!

BROILED GARLIC MUSSELS (MOULES GRATIEES )

Steps:

• Scrub the mussel under cold running water. Remove beards and discard any opened ones. Put in a pan with the wine, cover and steam for 5-8 minutes.
• Strain and reserve the cooking liquid. Discard any that aren't open. Remove the top half of each mussel shell and discard.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet, saute shallots until soft, add the garlic and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Add bread crumbs and saute until lightly browned, remove from heat and stir in the herbs. Moisten with some of the reserved liquid. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the mussels ( in their half shells) and arrange on baking sheet. Top with shredded Parmesan. Broil in batches, for 1-2 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden. Keep the first batch warm while you finish the rest.
• Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

MOULES MARINIèRES

Steps:

• Scrub the mussels.
• In a large kettle, at least eight quarts, melt two tablespoons of the butter. Saute the shallots over low heat until they are soft but not brown. Add the wine and the mussels. Steam the mussels over medium heat until they open, about 15 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove about half the mussels from the pot and divide them among four heated bowls. Discard any mussels that do not open. Cover the bowls.
• Transfer the remaining mussels to a large bowl and cover it. Some of these mussels can be served as second helpings, but most will be reserved for later use.
• Taste the broth remaining in the pot. If it is too salty, dilute it with water. Add the rest of the butter and simmer until it has melted. Season with pepper. Spoon the hot broth over the mussels in each of the plates, taking care not to disturb any sediment that may have accumulated in the bottom of the pot.
• Sprinkle each serving with parsley and serve