Mussels when cooked properly are the most delicious of sea foods. They grow on coastline stones and rocks naturally but can also be farmed in man-made coastal waters. Mussels are also known to be rich in protein and minerals and low in fat and cholesterol, making it part of a healthy diet regime. They can be cooked in a variety of ways. Since they are highly perishable, availability may be scarce and you would have to make do with frozen mussels. Whichever you choose, the ways to prepare them are vast. Listed below are two simple and absolutely tasty methods of preparing mussels. So, get ready to garner some good compliments from your family members and guests about your cooking skills.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 25-30 minutes
Resources Required:
1. 1 to 2 pounds fresh or frozen mussels
2. 1 table spoon butter
3. Water or any stock or wine or a combination of these
4. Herbs and spices to taste
5. salt and pepper to season
6. Steaming pot
7. Strainer or colander
8. Oil
Instructions:
1. Cleaning
- Place the mussels into the strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly under running water till water starts running clear.
- Make sure you scrub all the dirt, sand, and other growth and seaweed on the shells.
- Remove the stringy beard like tendon by lightly tugging at it or cut it off with a knife.
- Rinse well again.
2. To steam mussels
- Pour in the liquid of choice into the large steaming pot, add the mussels and cover with a fitting lid.
- With the heat on high, bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce to simmer once steam starts releasing from the sides.
- Shake the pan in between so that the mussels get cooked evenly.
- Continue till they start to slightly open, in about 5 minutes or so, and remove them from the heat as and when the mussels start to open so that they are cooked perfectly and not overdone.
- When all of them have been done, you can either remove them from the shell and serve in a bowl with the broth strained, or you can remove the insides and add in any dish of your choice.
- Serve with a wedge of lime so that you can use the lemon juice to add an extra tang to the mussels.
3. To bake mussels
- Follow the method mentioned above and steam the mussels to open up their shells.
- get a baking tray ready and pre-heat the oven to 175C.
- Place the mussels with the meat on to the tray, without over crowding too much.
- Drizzle some oil on to the mussels, season with enough salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 7 to 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I refrigerate mussels?
If you are not going to eat the cooked mussels immediately, then it is advisable to refrigerate them as soon as possible. Remove the mussels from the shells and place in an air tight container along with the broth they were cooked in. This would help maintain the moisture and the flavour of the mussels. Eat within one or two days.
2. Is it possible to freeze cooked mussels?
Yes, it is possible to freeze mussels, but only the cooked ones. De-shell the mussels and then place them in a freezer bag or air tight container along with the broth, seal well and store away. Use within three months of freezing.
Quick Tips:
1. Make sure you check the mussels properly before buying them as mussels which are already opened are not good for you. Discard them immediately.
2. Mussels that haven’t opened up after cooking need to thrown away.
3. Adding a light garlic and white wine sauce is perfect with steamed mussels.
Things To Watch Out For:
1. If you are allergic to shellfish or seafood, then consuming mussels could be extremely harmful to you.
2. While opening the lid, be careful, as the strong steam could harm you.
