Garlic Infused Mussels

This delightful dish transforms simple mussels into a flavorful and aromatic delight, infused with garlic and complemented by subtle hints of spices. Mussels, known for their tender textures and slightly sweet taste, are the stars of this recipe. The preparation involves briefly boiling the mussels to remove any undesired parts and marinating them in a vinegar essence to enhance their flavors. A mix of black pepper, mustard, and horseradish is then added to introduce depth to the mussels' natural flavors. Finally, they are simmered to perfection and drizzled with olive oil for a luxurious finish. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who appreciate a robust taste with a garlicky punch. It is ideal for a quick yet impressive meal that suits both casual dining and special occasions. The addition of garlic flowers not only amplifies the aromatic experience but also enhances the dish's presentation. This recipe brings both a culinary adventure and a comforting experience to your table, embodying simplicity and sophistication in every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bucket of mussels
• 1 kilogram salt
• 1 bottle of 70% Valdo vinegar essence
• Olive oil

Spices and Sauces:

• Black pepper
• Mustard
• Horseradish, Spilva home style
• Garlic or garlic flowers

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by cleaning the mussels. Fill a bucket with water and add a substantial amount of salt. Immerse the mussels and let them soak to purge any sand or debris.
2. Boil a pot of water and add the cleaned mussels. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until they start to open.
3. Using a fork, remove the mussels from their shells, taking care to keep the feet intact if possible.
4. Rinse the mussel feet under cold water. Use a knife to cut away any residual tough sections or remove any remaining slime.
5. Transfer the feet to a bowl and cover with vinegar essence. Let them marinate for approximately 40 minutes to tenderize and flavor them.
6. After marinating, rinse the mussels thoroughly in fresh water. Allow them to sit in clean water for 3-4 hours, which will help remove any residual vinegar essence.
7. Place 25 mussel feet into a cooking pot.
8. Pour 200 grams of fresh water over the mussels, ensuring they are submerged.
9. Add a pinch of ground black pepper to the pot for an aromatic kick.
10. For a mustard and horseradish tang, incorporate a knife's tip worth of English mustard and the same amount of horseradish.
11. Season with two pinches of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
12. Chop a handful of garlic flowers into 5-6 centimeter segments and scatter them into the pot.
13. Bring everything to a gentle boil and cook for about 25 minutes. Ensure the mussels infuse with the spices.
14. Drain the cooking liquid carefully, ensuring the spices have penetrated the mussels.
15. Drizzle with olive oil, which provides a rich, smooth finish.
16. Return the pot to the stove and simmer for another 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
17. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
18. Serve immediately to enjoy the full aromatic experience.
19. Accompany with crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices.
20. Garnish with extra garlic flowers if desired for an enhanced presentation.

Tips

• Substitution: Use lemon juice instead of vinegar essence for a milder tartness.
• Technique: For extra flavor, gently pound the garlic flowers before adding them to release their oils.
• Storage: Leftover mussels can be refrigerated and used in salads or pasta within two days.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fats: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

Variations

• Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use less salt and opt for a salt substitute if desired.
• Herb Addition: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a slice of grilled lemon to complement the seafood flavors.
• Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
• Accompany with a side of salad greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.

Best Places

1. The Mussel Pot - Renowned for its vast selection of mussel dishes. Location: 73 Grove Street, Nelson, New Zealand.
2. Mussels Galore - Offers a cozy atmosphere with delightful local flavors. Location: 45 Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, USA.
3. Seafood Delight - Classic seafood recipes with a modern twist. Location: 89 Ocean Road, Sydney, Australia.
4. Oyster and Mussel Bar - Elegant dining experience with a focus on shellfish. Location: 22 Palm Avenue, London, UK.
5. La Mer - French cuisine with a specialty in mussels. Location: 14 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
6. Nordic Shellfish - Scandinavian-inspired seafood. Location: 30 Nordic Street, Oslo, Norway.
7. Marisqueria la Sirena - Vibrant atmosphere with a Spanish seafood emphasis. Location: 56 Seaside Avenue, Barcelona, Spain.
8. Porto's Mussel Tavern - Porto's finest seafood tavern. Location: 78 Main Street, Porto, Portugal.
9. Tangaroa - Fresh mussels straight from New Zealand waters. Location: 12 Coral Bay, Wellington, New Zealand.
10. Neptune's Table - Combines Mediterranean flavors with traditional mussels. Location: 55 Harbour Road, Athens, Greece.