In our house, cooking mussels has proven to be a group pleaser every time I make them. They not only make a scrumptious and impressive entrée, but are also well-liked as an appetizer. If you are looking for a menu item that’s easy to prepare, popular with almost everyone, and is not too formal, then mussels would be an excellent choice.
I prefer to make sautéed mussels, and serve them along with a green olive sauce. This is exactly how I do it:
Cooking mussels Step #1
I start with one pound of mussels, and the ingredients for a scrumptious green olive sauce. Later on I will need the following: 1/4 cup white wine, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and one tablespoon butter.
Cooking mussels Step #2
Rinse the mussels and throw out any that don’t shut when tapped.
Cooking mussels Step #3
To make the green olive sauce, position olives, capers, parsley, cilantro, three tablespoons of olive oil, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper directly into a food processor. Add salt and pepper as preferred. Mix as desired.
Cooking mussels Step #4
Pre-heat a skillet over medium heat. Chop your desired quantity of garlic. Position garlic along with butter into your preheated skillet and stir. Cook the garlic in the pan until it becomes a tan color.
Cooking mussels Step #5
As an option, you can consider adding chilies, shallots, and/or lemon at this time.
Cooking mussels Step #6
At this point it is time to add the mussels, while being careful not to add too many at one time. You’ll want the mussels to open, which may be an issue for the ones at the base of the pile. You should only prepare enough mussels to make 1 layer in the pan.
Cooking mussels Step #7
Stir the mussels in the garlic butter, though being cautious not to become too rough. Remember that the shells are relatively delicate and may crack and chip if you’re not cautious.
Cooking mussels Step #8
Now add the wine. Including the wine will create the important steam needed to open the shells while simultaneously decreasing the overall heat within the skillet.
Cooking mussels Step #9
Cover the mussels with a lid and let them stand for 4 minutes.
Cooking mussels Step #10
Take away the lid. If all goes as planned, many- if not all- of the mussels will have opened. Mussels, unlike clams, will open before they are completely cooked.
The mussels are now ready for the final touch. Include the green olive sauce and stir together.
Bon Appetit!
