Moules Frites Recipes

Steps:

• Frites/Chips:.
• Slice the potato into thin strips (2mm x 2mm) and rinse in salted water. Heat a deep fat fryer to 325°F/160°C (preferably using sunflower or groundnut oil). Place the frites/chips in and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
• Moules/Mussels:.
• Tip the mussels into a large bowl of cold water, rinse and then drain well and pull away any 'beards'. (Fresh mussels look black and shiny and should only smell pleasantly of the deep sea - the vast majority should be tightly closed. Avoid any that smell 'fishy', look dry or are mostly open.).
• Place the chopped onion, shallot and garlic in a saucepan with the olive oil, gently sweat them over a low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly soft.
• Add the chopped herbs, and pernod or pastis if using and mix with the onion mixture.
• Add the washed mussels to the pan and cover with dry white wine, bring slowly to the boil, then simmer gently whilst stirring. Continue until the mussels have opened - discard any that do not open, this can take between 2 to 5 minutes.
• Add the creme fraiche if using, mixing through the cooked and opened mussles. Cover until the frites/chips are cooked.
• Whilst the moules are cooking, turn up the deep fryer to 375°F/190°C and salt the frites/chips. Add the frites/chips back to the oil for around 1 minute until golden and crispy.
• Serve the moules in a deep bowl with the frites/chips on the side - providinf plenty of napkins and a large bowl for the shells.
• Note - to make the best frites/chips your uncooked frites/chips should be washed in cold water and dried thoroughly before cooking.

Steps:

• Tip the mussels into a large bowl of cold water. Discard any that remain open when tapped, then drain well and pull away any 'beards'. (Fresh mussels look black and shiny and should only smell pleasantly of the deep sea - the vast majority should be tightly closed. Avoid any that smell 'fishy', look dry or are mostly open.)
• Thinly slice the vegetables and garlic. Roll the chilli in your hands to loosen the seeds, then slit in half and shake out the seeds. Slice the flesh into thin sticks, then stack together and finely chop. Pick over the thyme sprigs, discarding the thick stalks, and pick the parsley leaves from the stalks. Prepare the chips (see recipe, below right).
• Place a large, heavy-based sauté pan (with a lid) on the hob and heat until you can feel a strong heat rising. Pour in the oil, then immediately toss in all of the vegetables, chilli and thyme. The thyme sprigs will crackle if the pan is hot enough. Cook for about 1½ mins, shaking the pan and stirring the vegetables until they start to wilt.
• With the heat still on high, toss in all the mussels and shake the pan so they form an even layer. Cover with a lid and cook for another 1-2 mins, shaking the pan once or twice.
• Uncover the pan and pour in the wine and Pernod. Shake and cook for another 1½ mins so the wine reduces by half, then cover again and cook for another min. Place a large colander over a bowl and tip the mussels and vegetables into the centre. Discard any mussels that remain closed. Fry the chips.
• Pour the strained liquid back in the pan, reheat and stir in the crème fraîche and whole parsley leaves. Check the seasoning; you may not need any salt. Return the mussels and vegetables to the pan and reheat, shaking the pan, then divide between two large soup bowls. Serve the chips and mayonnaise (recipe below) alongside.
• TIP: Make the mayo and prepare the chips before you start the mussels. Fry the chips after you have cooked the mussels and while they are still draining in the colander, then finish the sauce.

Steps:

• For the mussels:.
• Directions.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the poblano puree and clam broth and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Add the coconut milk and honey and cook until reduced by half.
• Transfer the mixture to a blender (rinse out the pan) add the spinach, salt and pepper, to taste, and blend until smooth.
• Place the pan back on the stove over high heat. Add the wine to the pot, bring to a boil and reduce by half. Add the green chile broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the mussels, cover the pot and cook until the mussels open, discarding any that do not, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the butter and parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into bowls, garnish with more parsley, if desired, and serve with bread on the side.
• For the French Fries:.
• Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices then cut each slice into 1/4-inc thick fries. Place the fries in a large bowl of cold water.
• Heat the oil in a large, straight-sided skillet to 325 degrees F. Drain fries in batches on paper towels. Fry each batch for 3 to 4 minutes until a pale blonde color and remove to a sheet pan lined with paper towels.
• Increase the heat of the oil to 375 degrees F and fry the potatoes again, in batches, until golden brown. Remove to a sheet pan lined with paper towels and season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• For the Aioli:.
• Combine the mayonnaise, pepper, chipotle, salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve the fries with the aioli alongside the mussels.

Steps:

• Place the mussels, the white wine, and the garlic in a large stockpot, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the mussels open, then cook for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and shower the mussels with black pepper. Mince the parsley and shower it over the mussels as well. Evenly divide the mussels among 4 shallow soup bowls, and pour the cooking juices over all. Serve immediately.