| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 825 | 32g | 15g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 6g | 40g | 1.76g |
Why I Love French Mussels in White Wine and Chive Cream with Homemade Fries and Citrus Green Salad
Today, the spotlight is on a sumptuous French staple, the Mussels in White Wine and Chive Cream with Homemade Fries and Citrus Green Salad recipe. As a New Yorker through and through, my love for dishes that thrive on diversity knows no bounds. This recipe is no exception, and it holds a dear place in my culinary heart. It showcases a beautiful blend of hearty mussels, crispy fries, and a refreshing citrus salad, turning an ordinary meal into a sublime dining experience.
Drawing Inspiration
This recipe was somewhat inspired by Julia Child. Her simplistic, unpretentious approach to French cuisine has always been a great motivation for me. However, it’s essential to note that this Mussels in White Wine and Chive Cream with Homemade Fries and Citrus Green Salad recipe is injected with my unique flair and interpretation, as a tribute to the gastronomic melting pot of New York City.
A Triumph in Taste
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious combination of flavors. The mussels, bathed in a rich wine and chive cream sauce, pairs perfectly with the crispy homemade fries, delivering a coastal feels right at home. A refreshing citrus green salad acts as a perfect counterbalance, adding a wave of freshness to the overall hearty experience.
If you’re a fan of dishes like Seafood Paella, this recipe will draw you in with its briny seafood notes. Or if you’re a lover of Steak Frites, you’d be interested in this recipe’s clever swap of steak for mussels, offering a delightful twist.
This wonderful ensemble doesn’t just serve as a meal, but an experience that takes you on a culinary journey from the bustling streets of New York, to a quaint bistro in the heart of France. Using common ingredients to craft extraordinary dishes, this Mussels in White Wine and Chive Cream with Homemade Fries and Citrus Green Salad recipe encapsulates my essence as a chef, and a lover of diverse, well-rounded, and simple flavors.
What You’ll Need
- For the Mussels:
- 4 pounds of fresh mussels
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups of dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Fries:
- 6 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- For the Citrus Green Salad:
- 1 head of lettuce
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the mussels. Rinse and clean them under cold water, removing any beards. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
Step Two
Next, move on to the cooking. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and shallots and cook until they are soft and fragrant. Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer.
Step Three
Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover it, and let the mussels steam for about 10 minutes or until they open up. Remember to discard any mussels that do not open.
Step Four
While the mussels are steaming, you can start on the fries. Cut the russet potatoes into thin sticks and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch.
Step Five
Dry the potato sticks thoroughly before frying them in vegetable oil heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook them until they are golden and crispy, then drain them on paper towels and season with salt.
Step Six
Go back to your mussels. Once they are all open, stir in the heavy cream and chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes.
Step Seven
The last thing to prepare is the salad. Chop the lettuce and place it in a large bowl. Add the segmented oranges.
Step Eight
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season this dressing with salt and pepper, then pour over the lettuce and oranges.
Step Nine
Toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. Your meal is ready to serve. Enjoy the mussels with the homemade fries and a side of citrus green salad.
