What better way to show your love for seafood with Moule Frites? Originated in Belgium, this mussel and fries dish easily elevates your culinary game. A nice blend of elegance and simplicity… For a healthier version, we’re going to substitute fries with baguette.
Lets conquer the Moule Frites!
| Ingredients | Amount | Prep |
| Butter | ~50ml (50g) | Room temperature |
| Mussels | 2 pounds | Soaked for an hour, beard trimmed, and washed * |
| Spring onions | 2 bunches | Half thinly sliced, half chopped into big chunks |
| Shallots | 2-3 cloves | Thinly sliced |
| Garlic Clove | 2 cloves | Peeled and sliced |
| Thyme | 1 bunch | Discard thick stem |
| White wine (Pernod, Sauvignon, or Pinot blac) | 1/2 cup | Room temperature |
| Peppercorn/ground black pepper | 1 Tbsp | Adjust according to preference |
| Parsley | Handful | Leaves thinly chopped. Discard the stems |
| Baguette | 1 loaf | Sliced |
- Discard any opened mussels. Remove beards from the remaining mussels by pulling it from side to side using a paring knife. Scrape off barnacles from the shell. Soak the mussels in cold, ice water for about an hour. Remember to change the water 3-4 times – the water becomes very cloudy. Drain well; pat dry with paper towel.
- Place a large, heavy-based sauté pan (with a lid) on medium. Add butter and sweat the shallots for 5 minutes. Add in thyme sprigs, chunks of spring onion, and peppercorn. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Deglaze with white wine until stock reduces by 1/3.
- Turn the heat on high, then add all the mussels. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Shake them up every so often so the mussels cook evenly.
- Transfer cooked mussels into a deep serving dish. Discard any unopened mussels. Garnish with remaining parsley. Dip the slices of baguette into the rich broth. Enjoy!
Making an elegant dinner doesn’t have to be difficult. What’s your favourite way of preparing mussels?
Pichada Wangsangthong – Client Care Manager
Pichada grew up playing various sports such as track and field, and is now primarily involved in karate and tennis. A 3rd year student at UBC, she enjoys using her education to help guide her clients in physical activities to avoid injuries. Pichada has a passion for food adventures, sports, and healthy living and hopes that she can assist others in their journey to achieving their fitness goals.
