Ready to steam..
An absolute shoe-in to the kitchen heroes archive this week – fresh mussels. Cooking them is simple and look after them with a damp cloth in the fridge to keep them alive as long as you possibly can.
These sustainable creatures are one of the most environmentally sound types of seafood, super cheap and healthy yet with the slightest amount of care and attention can taste like an absolute delicacy. Ready in minutes, here are my top 3 ways to serve fresh mussels:-
3. Pan fried with garlic butter
Create some steam in a pan with a touch of water on a high heat before adding your fresh mussels and closing the lid. Shake the pan after 90 seconds, steaming for a further 90 seconds before draining the pan. Pick the mussels and let them steam dry ready for frying. Pan fry shallots and garlic in a pan with a knob of butter until soft, before throwing in your mussel meat and seasoning lightly with sea salt but plenty of black pepper. Finish with chopped parsley and spoon over your favourite toasted ciabatta or roll.
2. Paella
Add your fresh mussels to the paella pan for the final few minutes of cooking until they are all open.
1. Steamed with smoky bacon, cider and chilli
Fry smoked bacon lardons, celery, garlic, spring onions, fresh thyme and chilli in a heavy based pan until glossy, seasoning well. Stir in your mussels before covering and steam for a few minutes. As the mussels open, pour in 200ml cider. Reduce down before finishing with creme fraiche and fresh tarragon. Great with straw fries or crusty bread.
Wise words on food 