Quick, flavorful steamed blue mussels with garlic broth or tomato broth variation.

These steamed mussels are a simple yet elegant dish. To prepare, melt butter in a large pot, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken stock and white wine. Bring to a simmer, add cleaned mussels, cover, and cook until they open (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in a splash of heavy cream and fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the mussels in a large bowl with the flavorful broth, accompanied by lemon wedges and a warm baguette to soak up the delicious juices. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

To clean mussels, scrub the shells under cold running water to remove debris. Use a knife to scrape off any barnacles. Pull out the “beard” (fibrous threads) by tugging it towards the hinge of the shell. Discard any mussels that are open and don’t close when tapped.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. blue mussels (cleaned)
• 1 & 1/2 tbsp butter
• 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 & 1/4 cup chicken stock
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon heavy cream
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• 1 baguette (warmed for serving and then sliced)

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add shallots and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Pour in chicken stock and white wine, bringing to a simmer.
4. Add mussels, cover, and cook until they open (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Stir in heavy cream and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with lemon wedges and slices of warm baguette to soak up the broth.

Tips

• Add 14 ounces of diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/2 a finely chopped onion to this recipe for a nice tomato broth variation.

Where to Buy Fresh Blue Mussels Online & in the Twin Cities, Minnesota

Here are some great places to buy fresh blue mussels in the Twin Cities, MN:

1. Coastal Seafoods: Known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, Coastal Seafoods is a top choice for fresh blue mussels. They have locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
   • Minneapolis Location: 2007 E 24th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
   • Phone: (612) 724-7425
2. Kowalski’s Markets: This local grocery chain offers fresh seafood, including blue mussels, at several locations in the Twin Cities.
   • Minneapolis Location: 2440 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
   • Phone: (612) 377-3448
3. Pure Food Fish Market: While not local, they offer online ordering and delivery of fresh mussels to the Twin Cities.

These options should help you find the freshest blue mussels for your culinary needs. Enjoy your cooking! If you need any recipes or cooking tips, feel free to ask.