Classic French Mussels

Mussels have a sweet spot in my heart.  From the first time I had them in Paris with my buddy Kross, I was not prepared for my lifelong love of these humble bivalve mollusks.  The funny thing is that I had them by happenstance when I was in France.  I was traveling there after my first year of law school and I was on a budget and, you guessed it, they were one of the less expensive things on the menu.

I figured, I always loved seafood, especially things like clams, so I’d probably like Mussels.  And like them I did!!!  Admittedly, I was a bit gluttonous, sopping up every last drop of broth.  In my mind, I thought about licking the bowl, but I was in law school.  A future lawyer couldn’t do that in public…but, ooooh, I thought about it.  Sweet, garlicky, rich and, frankly, just amazing…I opted for the more refined way and thus, I must of down a whole baguette in addition to a pound of mussels.

Back in France…sans pleated khaki pants and swoopy haircut…but with my Mussels and Pommes Frites!!!

So when I got back to the States, I had to give it a shot.  I experimented a few different ways, always trying to make it a touch on the healthier side…and although those attempts were good, they did not compare.  As they say, though, “We’ll always have Paris.”

…until I figured out the secret that transformed them and transported me back to that little café, a humble law student, with his swoopy haircut and pleated khaki Duckhead pants.  Hey, no judging…they were in style…and so was my haircut…kinda.  But, I digress.

All that to say, with the addition of a little cream and ever-popular French favorite, Butter, I was able to recreate this Classic French Dish.

So what do you have to keep in mind when making these beauts?

How to Pick Mussels 

There are dozens of varieties of Mussels, but the two main ones to look out for are:

Blue/Black Mussel

Blue or Black Mussels: these are black or blue/black in color, hailing from both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans; Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) is known for their Blue mussels

Green-lipped Mussel

Green-lipped Mussels: otherwise known as New Zealand Green-lipped Mussels, these have a distinct green color on the outer ridge of the Mussel’s shell.  They tend to be larger in size than the Blue or Black Mussels.

Generally speaking, I prefer the smaller Blue or Black mussels over the Green-lipped ones.  I find them more tender.  I also favor farm-raised mussels over the wild-caught.  They are more consistent in flavor, in my opinion, and less of a chance of being overly fishy.  As an added benefit, some say that farmed-raised mussels may actually benefit the overall marine ecosystem as these little guys are master filterers, cleaning the water wherever they go.

How to Store Mussels

Of course, it’s always best to use Mussels the day you get them, but you can store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days if you have to.  The best way to store them is to remove them from the bag or packaging they came in.  Place them in a bowl and cover them with a wet towel or wet paper towels.  Pop them in the fridge.  Be sure to drain any liquid that accumulates in the bowl daily.  And when you take them out to use them, give them a quick sniff.  They should smell fresh and salty, like the ocean…not fishy.

Another word of advice: wait to clean the outer shells and debeard them (if necessary) until right before you’re ready to cook them.

Why I like Mussels

First, they’re very versatile!  I love the sweet flavor of mussels and they pair well with many sauces, from white wine sauces to cream sauces to tomato sauces.  But you can also have them just plain steamed, whether wine, chicken stock or even beer.

Second, they’re very affordable! Especially when compared to clams and oysters, mussels are a bargain and they make a great appetizer or even a main course.

How to Serve Mussels

I usually get a really big bowl and place the cooked mussels in the bowl.  After completing the sauce, I pour it over the mussels and garnish it with some parsley.  You could even do a twist of lemon.

In France, they’re always served with at least a baguette or some crusty bread that is just amazing when it absorbs all that great broth.  Many places serve Mussels alongside French Fries or pommes frites, as they’re known in France.

Either way, it a pretty easy and inexpensive dish to duplicate…so for just a few bucks, you can bring the taste of Paris to you.  C’est bon!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Mussels (Traditional French Style)

I love Mussels. You can make Mussels many different ways but I always come back to the Classic French Style. I've also included a couple of options to help make it a touch healthier.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: French, Seafood

Keyword: classic mussels, french mussels, moules, mussels, seafood, shellfish, steamed mussels

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 858kcal

Author: Fucci

Ingredients

SO WHAT YOU'RE GONNA NEED IS:

• 1 pound Mussels
• 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Shallot
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 3-4 sprigs Thyme
• 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional - for healthier version)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter (optional - for healthier version)
• 1 Tablespoon Parsley (minced)
• To taste Pepper
• To taste Salt

YOU'LL ALSO NEED:

• Dutch Oven
• Silicone Spatula
• Paring Knife (optional): https://amzn.to/2W96gYB
• Sharp Knife https://amzn.to/2QXdJKF

Instructions

• Rinse and Debeard the Mussels by pulling beard (Byssus) out with your fingers or a Paring Knife. (Note: Discard and Mussels that are cracked or that do not close up when squeezed.)
• Mince Shallot. Slice Garlic very thin (1/8 inch or less). Mince Parsley.
• In a Dutch Oven over medium heat, add Olive Oil, Shallots, Garlic, Thyme, Salt and Pepper. Cook until Shallots and Garlic start to soften.
• Add White Wine. Stir and bring to a boil.
• Once White Wine starts to boil, add Mussels. Cook for about 3 minutes or until they open. (Note: if any Mussels fail to open, discard them.) Remove Mussels.
• To the remaining sauce, add Heavy Cream and let cook for about 30 seconds. Add Butter and let melt (Note: for lower fat recipe, you can reduce or eliminate the Heavy Cream and/or Butter. Do not substitute Milk as it may curdle in the Wine.)
• Pour Sauce over Mussels and serve with Crusty Bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 858kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 953mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2425IU | Vitamin C: 32.5mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 10.5mg