Mussels in White Wine and Garlic Sauce (Moules Marinières)
Discover the elegance of French-inspired Mediterranean cuisine with this classic Moules Marinières recipe. Plump mussels are steamed in a sumptuous white wine and garlic sauce, delivering a dish that's simple yet brimming with flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preparation of Mussels: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the mussels under cold water. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped. Remove the beards with a firm tug, and scrub the shells to remove any debris.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
- Steam Mussels: Add the cleaned mussels to the pot and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Shake the pot occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the mussels have opened, remove the pot from the heat. Discard any mussels that have not opened. Stir in the chopped parsley and butter until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the mussels and sauce to a large serving bowl. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Notes
Make sure to purchase mussels from a reputable source and use them on the day of purchase for the best flavor and safety.
The bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce, so don't skip it!
If you have any leftover sauce, it can be used as a pasta sauce for a quick next-day meal.