Mussels With White Wine Dijon Mustard Sauce

Photo by Dixie D. Vereen for The Washington Post

Steamed mussels with white wine seem so fancy, but they are incredibly quick and easy to make – perfect to add into your summer weeknight dinner rotation. In this recipe aromatic shallots, garlic, and thyme serve as the flavor base, then white wine is added as the steaming liquid. Once the mussels have all opened, they are cooked, and ready to enjoy! Serve with good crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Mussels With White Wine Dijon Mustard Sauce

Ingredients

2 pounds shell-on mussels
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 to 4 medium shallots, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (may substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Rinse the mussels in cold water. Use a paring knife to remove any hairy clumps (beards). Scrub the shells well with a vegetable brush. Discard any mussels that are open and won’t close tightly when tapped.

Heat the oil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant. Add the wine; increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.

Add the mussels, cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mussels have opened. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to individual serving bowls, discarding any that have not opened, leaving the cooking liquid in the pot.

Reduce the heat to medium; whisk the mustard and butter into the pot to form an emulsified sauce, then stir in the parsley and the pepper.

Pour the sauce evenly over each portion of mussels and serve right away.

Makes 2 servings

Per serving: Calories: 380; Total Fat 22g (Saturated Fat 6g); Cholesterol: 45mg; Sodium: 430mg; Total Carbohydrates: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Protein: 15g