Archive for » March 14th, 2009«
Just another simple yet yummy way to prepare mussels.. I have listed 2 kilos in weight of mussels and this will serve 3-4 depending on whether serving as a main or appetiser and also on appetites. My hubby and I are quite piggy and can almost polish off 2kg by ourselves. I usually serve this for the three of us as a main with some hot crusty bread and it is perfect.
Ingredients
2kg Mussels, scrubbed and beards removed
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Onion, chopped finely
3 Cloves garlic, crushed
200ml Blonde beer
11/2 Vegetable bouillon cubes
3 Teaspoons a l’Ancienne mustard
180ml Double cream
125ml Low fat cream (can use all low fat if you wish)
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to season
3 Teaspoons cornflour mixed with a little water
Method
1. In a large pan bring enough water to the boil for the mussels, add mussels, cover, cook for approx 5 Min’s until mussels open, discard any that don’t, Drain and set to one side. Clean pan
2. Heat oil in same large pan, add onion and garlic, cook until onion softens, add beer, stock, mustard, creams and herbs, stir to combine.
3. Bring to the boil and lower heat, add cornflour and stir until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Return mussels to the pan, stir to coat in sauce and cook until heated through.
Serve with hot crusty bread to soak up the sauce
This is a very quick and tasty side dish to make that will go down well with the whole family. I love fresh peas just boiled in some water and served with a little butter and mint, but my son is not as keen, so I came up with this so he would eat them and enjoy them. You can make this with frozen or fresh peas just make sure you cook the peas first if fresh.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 Onion, finely chopped
3 Cloves garlic, crushed
5 Bacon rashers, chopped finely
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups cooked fresh peas (can use frozen, you can add them straight into the cream without cooking.)
Dash cayenne pepper
Mint, sprinkle with some chopped fresh mint (optional)
Mehtod
1. Melt butter in a pan, add onion, garlic and bacon, cook until onion is soft and bacon cooked.
2. In a saucepan add cream, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer, to reduce slightly, Approx 4-5 Min’s.
3. Add onion garlic mix, cheese and peas, stir to heat through and melt cheese, approx 3-4 Min’s.
3. Add cayenne and season with salt and pepper if desired, cook for a further minute or two, until nice and hot and thickened slighlty.
Serve sprinkled with fresh mint.
