Mussels and oh-so-French fast food
Moules à la Marinière — mussels in white wine — brings memories of seaside dining in France, watching the fishing boats come in, breathing the fresh sea air and drinking a chilled glass of white wine. What a treat!
Figure about 2 pounds mussels per person. Store them in the refrigerator, and rinse with cold water before using, scraping off the “beard,” the thin hairs with which the mussel attaches itself to rocks.
If any are open, tap them gently, and discard any that do not close.
This dish is really a meal in itself with the reduced broth and vegetables as a second course in the same bowl. Fresh French bread is a must for soaking up every last drop.
<I>Makes 2 servings</I>1 tablespoon butter2 cups sliced onion1 cup sliced carrot1 cup sliced celery½ cup dry white wineFreshly ground black pepper4 pounds mussels¼ cup chopped parsley½ whole-wheat French baguette, slicedMelt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrot and celery until they start to shrink but not color, about 10 minutes.Add the white wine and some pepper. Add the mussels and cover the saucepan tightly. Raise the heat and boil just until the mussels open, about 3 minutes. Do not overcook.With a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to 2 bowls, discarding any unopened ones. Bring pan liquid back to a boil. Cook about 1 minute to reduce, and set aside.Sprinkle mussels with parsley and serve. When finished, serve vegetables and broth (leave about ¼inch in pan as it may be gritty) with baguette slices.
