Mediterranean Mussels with Tangy Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh Mediterranean mussels 2 pounds (900g) fresh Mediterranean mussels
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) white wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mussels by scrubbing them under cold water and removing any beards.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the mussels. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the shells open.
3. 3.
   Remove the mussels from the pot and let them cool.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Once the mussels have cooled, remove them from their shells and place them in a bowl.
6. 6.
   Pour the vinaigrette over the mussels and toss gently to coat.
7. 7.
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and alive before cooking. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped. Scrub the shells thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
• Serve the mussels with crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic in the vinaigrette.
• Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or basil to customize the vinaigrette to your taste.
• To make the dish more substantial, serve the mussels over a bed of mixed greens or cooked pasta.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean mussels with tangy vinaigrette as an appetizer or light meal. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Presentation advice

Arrange the mussels on a large platter, drizzle the vinaigrette over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra touch of freshness.