Mussels In Wine Broth

Step 1: Give the mussels a good scrub and rinse to remove any excess grit, make sure that they have already had their beards trimmed (if not then trim the beards with a pair of sharp scissors.) The mussels should be firmly closed. If any are open, give them a tap and see if they close. If they do not close, discard them.

Step 2: Using a large pot, melt the butter over a low heat. Add the shallots, garlic, chilie, and salt (optional.) Cook gently until the onions, garlic and chilie are softened. This could take up to 5 minutes or more. Be careful to watch closely at this stage making sure the butter or the onions do not start to brown. They must be translucent.

Step 3: Add the wine and zest and increase the heat. Boil until reduced by half. Doing this makes a rich broth. Add the mussels and season lightly with pepper. Stir and then cover the pot with a lid.

Step 4: After 2 minutes check the dish. Remove the mussels that have opened and transfer to serving bowl. Keep cooking the mussels in the pot still at a boil, removing them as they open. If there are any mussels that will not open discard them.

Step 5: Pour the broth over the bowl of mussels, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve mussels in separate bowls with a good serving of broth, a wedge of lemon and a slice of thick crusty bread.

NOTES: When you get the fresh mussels home, remove them from any plastic and place the mussels in a bowl (this helps them to breathe.) Cover them with a clean, damp tea towel or cloth and refrigerate. Kept this way they should keep for two days