Steamed Mussels with Cheese

Steamed mussels are a classic seafood delight, celebrated for their delicate flavour and versatility. When combined with grated cheese and sliced scallions, this dish transforms into an exquisite experience that balances the sweetness of the mussels with the creamy richness of cheese and the fresh, mild onion of the scallions. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing treat that impresses at any dinner table.

The Perfect Mussels

The essential part of this dish lies in the quality of the mussels. Fresh mussels should have tightly closed shells and a clean, ocean-like scent. Before cooking, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly by scrubbing the shells and removing the “beard” – the fibrous threads protruding from the shell. Discard any mussels that remain open after a light tap, as they are not safe to eat.

Preparation and Cooking

To prepare steamed mussels with grated cheese and sliced scallions, start by gathering your ingredients: fresh mussels, a good cheese (such as Parmesan or Gruyère), scallions, garlic, white wine, and butter. Just to through a cat amongst the pigeons, I tried Red Leicester and it was superb. So try different cheeses especially the ones you already enjoy.

Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Pour in a cup of white wine and bring it to a simmer. The wine adds depth and a subtle acidity that enhances the mussels’ natural sweetness. Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open during cooking.

Finishing Touches

Once the mussels are cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Cover the pot again for another minute to allow the cheese to melt slightly. The cheese adds a layer of creamy, salty flavour that complements the mussels beautifully. Finally, scatter sliced scallions/spring onions over the top, adding a fresh, crunchy texture and a burst of colour.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed mussels with grated cheese and sliced scallions are best enjoyed immediately. Serve them directly from the pot or transfer to a large, shallow bowl. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the savoury broth left at the bottom of the bowl. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad.

When it comes to wine pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay works exceptionally well. These wines have the acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and the delicate flavour of the mussels, enhancing the overall dining experience.

If you enjoy seafood then steamed mussels with grated cheese and sliced scallions is must for you to try. It’s a sophisticated yet straightforward dish that brings out the best in fresh mussels. This dish can be served as a main dish or starter. Whether it be for a dinner party or for a special meal to enjoy at home. Whatever the reason is, this dish promises to delight with its elegant combination of flavours and textures.

Steamed Mussels with Cheese

This recipe for steamed mussels with grated cheese and sliced scallions combines the sweetness of fresh mussels with the creamy richness of cheese and the fresh crunch of scallions. the combination creates a delicious dish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.

4.84 from 68 votes

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Course: Main Dish, Starter

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Alcohol, Cheese, Dairy, Gruyere, Mussels, Parmesan, Steam, Steamed Mussels with Cheese, White Wine

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 395kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1.5 kg fresh mussels
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup dry white wine good quality
• 1 cup Parmesan grated or Gruyère
• 4 medium scallions thinly sliced
• ground black pepper to taste
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

• Clean the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing the shells and removing the beards.
  1.5 kg fresh mussels
• Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3 cloves garlic
• Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer.
  1 cup dry white wine
• Add the mussels to the pot, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
• Remove the lid and sprinkle the grated cheese over the mussels.
  1 cup Parmesan
• Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt slightly, about 1 minute.
• Sprinkle the sliced scallions over the mussels and add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4 medium scallions, ground black pepper
• Serve the mussels directly from the pot or transfer them to a large, shallow bowl.
• Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
  Crusty bread

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 954mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 913IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 369mg | Iron: 8mg