Mussels have to be one of the easiest, fastest and cheapest shellfish treats. They cook in a matter of minutes. Garlic is a winning combination with mussels and this recipe uses two types of garlic. Wild garlic can be foraged in spring if you are lucky enough to live near where it grows. Mine came from a Kent farm shop which delivers locally grown vegetables and other produce.
Ingredients (serves 2)
1kg fresh mussels
20g butter
1 banana shallot. finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
100ml cider, or white wine
Splash of buttermilk (optional)
Handful of roughly chopped wild garlic leaves
Aleppo chilli flakes to sprinkle (optional)
Method
Ingredients (serves 2)
1kg fresh mussels
20g butter
1 banana shallot. finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
100ml cider, or white wine
Splash of buttermilk (optional)
Handful of roughly chopped wild garlic leaves
Aleppo chilli flakes to sprinkle (optional)
Method
- Wash the mussels in cold water, discarding any open ones that won’t close when tapped.
Pull out any ‘beards' from between the closed shells - Melt butter in a large pan and cook the shallots and garlic until soft.
Add the mussels, cider or wine and the buttermilk (if using) and chopped wild garlic. - Cover and cook for a few minutes until the mussels open, shaking the pan occasionally.
- Serve sprinkled with Aleppo chilli flakes (if using) and crusty bread to soak up the juices.