Classic Belgian Moules Marinières
Moules Marinières is a quintessential Belgian dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fresh mussels paired with a rich, white wine broth. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also transports you straight to the heart of Belgium with every bite. The combination of sautéed onions and celery, combined with the creaminess of butter and cream, creates a delectable sauce that perfectly complements the briny taste of the seafood. Traditionally served with crusty bread or crispy frites, this dish invites you to savor each morsel while enjoying a glass or two of wine—a pairing that enhances the dining experience, despite the mystery of its origin. Perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion, Moules Marinières is sure to impress!
2
Servings
390
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mussels
1 kg (cleaned)
onion
1 small (sliced)
celery
1 stick (sliced)
white wine
200 ml
pepper
to taste
butter
2 tablespoons
cream
2 tablespoons
parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cleaning 1 kg of mussels thoroughly under cold running water, discarding any that are open and do not close when tapped.
2
In a large casserole pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3
Add the sliced onion and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4
Pour in the 200 ml of white wine, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, add the cleaned mussels to the pot, and cover with a lid. Shake the pot gently to ensure the mussels are well distributed in the broth.
6
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally shaking the pot, until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
7
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, the cream, and the chopped parsley, allowing everything to meld together for another 2 minutes.
8
Serve immediately in deep bowls with crusty bread or traditional Belgian frites to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moules Marinières?
Moules Marinières is a quintessential Belgian dish featuring fresh mussels cooked in a rich white wine broth with onions, celery, and cream.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The core ingredients include 1 kg of mussels, onion, celery, white wine, butter, cream, and parsley.
How should I clean the mussels?
Clean them thoroughly under cold running water and discard any that are open and do not close when tapped.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine is traditionally used to create the broth for Belgian Moules Marinières.
How long does it take to cook the mussels?
Once added to the boiling wine, mussels typically take 5 to 7 minutes to open.
What should I do with mussels that remain closed after cooking?
Any mussels that remain closed after 7 minutes of cooking should be discarded.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 390 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 22.5g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 24g of carbohydrates.
What side dishes pair well with Moules Marinières?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread or crispy Belgian frites to soak up the sauce.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 2 tablespoons of butter is used throughout the cooking process.
What vegetables are needed?
The recipe requires one small sliced onion and one stick of sliced celery.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
How much white wine is required?
You will need 200 ml of white wine.
When should the cream be added?
The cream should be stirred in at the very end, after the mussels have opened.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How do I prepare the parsley?
The parsley should be chopped before being added to the pot.
Can I use a specific type of pot?
A large casserole pot with a lid is recommended for cooking the mussels.
What heat setting should be used for sautéing the vegetables?
The onion and celery should be sautéed over medium heat.
Do I need to season with salt?
The recipe suggests adding pepper to taste; mussels often provide enough natural saltiness from their brine.
How often should I shake the pot?
Shake the pot gently once after adding the mussels and occasionally during the 5-7 minute cooking window.
Is there cream in traditional Moules Marinières?
This specific version includes 2 tablespoons of cream for added richness.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be sliced before sautéing.
Can this be prepared in under 30 minutes?
Yes, with a 5-7 minute cook time and simple prep, it is a very quick meal.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery stick should be sliced.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a dish that is sure to impress, perfect for special occasions.
What is the main flavor profile of the broth?
The broth is a combination of savory sautéed vegetables, acidic white wine, and creamy butter.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
Fiber information is not specified for this recipe.