Name: Mussels in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Fritters:; 2 cups zucchini, cubed; 2 cups corn kernels; 1 cup grated cheese; 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Tender mussels are gently steamed in a luscious garlic cream broth enhanced with lemon and herbs. This elegant yet simple dish is finished with heavy cream and served with toasted bread for dipping into every last drop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mussels in a Creamy Garlic Sauce dish is indulgent, rich, and bursting with flavor. The creamy garlic broth is the perfect base for the mussels, making each bite heavenly. Paired with toasted, buttered bread to soak up the sauce, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.

Mussels in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

For the Mussels:
4 tablespoons (2 oz) unsalted butter
1 (8 oz) yellow onion, halved and sliced into ½-inch half moons
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ lemon
4 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 cup vegetable broth
1¼ cups heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flat-leaf parsley (or cilantro or thyme), chopped, for garnish
Thick slices of toasted, buttered bread, for serving
Lemon wedges, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened but not browned. Squeeze in lemon juice and add the squeezed lemon half to the pot.
Steam the Mussels: Raise heat to high. Add mussels and pour in the vegetable broth. Cover tightly and steam for 4–5 minutes, or until most mussels have opened.
Add Cream: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and season with freshly ground black pepper. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, just until all mussels are fully open.
Serve: Discard any mussels that haven’t opened. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately with toasted, buttered bread and lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Spicy Mussels: Add red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian: Replace mussels with other shellfish like clams or scallops.

Storage/Reheating

Mussels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover mussels and broth in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mussels?

Yes, you can use frozen mussels, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

How do I know if the mussels are cooked?

Mussels are cooked when their shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.

Can I add more garlic?

Yes, you can add more garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.

What type of bread should I serve with this dish?

Serve with thick, crusty bread like baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious broth.

Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use chicken or seafood broth as a substitute for vegetable broth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the broth and steam the mussels just before serving.

How do I clean mussels?

Scrub the mussels under cold running water and remove the beards before cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and coconut milk.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s not spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or chili peppers to the broth.

What can I serve with these mussels?

Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Mussels in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is an elegant, simple dish that’s sure to impress anyone who loves seafood. The rich, creamy broth and tender mussels are perfect for a cozy dinner, and the garlic flavor is out of this world. Serve with toasted bread to soak up every last drop!

Emma