Creamy Saffron Mussels Delight
This exquisite dish brings together the briny goodness of fresh cultivated mussels with a luxurious saffron cream sauce. Adapted from a gourmet classic, this recipe elevates your seafood dining experience without requiring extensive culinary expertise. Perfect as a sumptuous appetizer for gatherings of 6-8 or as a delightful main course for those looking to indulge. Serve it alongside plenty of crusty French bread to soak up the rich sauce and provide spoons for enjoying every last drop!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mussels
4 lbs (cleaned and debearded)
Onion
1 large (sliced)
Crushed Saffron Threads
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Dry White Wine
1 cup (none)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sliced onions, crushed saffron threads, and salt to the pot, stirring occasionally. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-10 minutes.
3
Pour in the dry white wine, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream along with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
6
Cover the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
7
Carefully stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
8
Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty French bread and spoons for the savoring the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Saffron Mussels Delight?
It is a luxurious seafood dish that features fresh cultivated mussels in a rich saffron-infused cream sauce.
How many mussels are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 lbs of mussels for this recipe.
How should the mussels be prepared before cooking?
The mussels should be cleaned and debearded prior to being added to the pot.
What type of onion is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for one large onion, sliced.
How much saffron is needed?
You need 1/4 teaspoon of crushed saffron threads.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much salt should I add to the onions?
Add 3/4 teaspoon of salt to the onions while sautéing.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for 5-10 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What type of wine is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of dry white wine.
When do I add the heavy cream?
Add 1 cup of heavy cream once the wine has reached a boil and the heat is slightly reduced.
How much pepper is added to the sauce?
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What should I do after adding the mussels to the pot?
Stir them gently to coat in the sauce, then cover the pot with a lid.
How long do the mussels take to cook?
The mussels take approximately 6-8 minutes to cook until they open.
What should I do with mussels that do not open?
Any mussels that remain closed after cooking should be discarded.
What kind of parsley should I use for the garnish?
Use 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh flat leaf parsley.
When is the parsley added to the dish?
Carefully stir in the parsley just before serving for color and flavor.
What is the suggested serving accompaniment?
It is best served with plenty of crusty French bread.
Why are spoons recommended for serving?
Spoons are recommended so that you can enjoy every last drop of the creamy saffron sauce.
How many people does this serve as an appetizer?
This recipe serves 6-8 people when offered as an appetizer.
Can this recipe be served as a main course?
Yes, it makes a delightful main course for those looking to indulge in seafood.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a large heavy pot with a lid.
What is the initial heat setting for the olive oil?
Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for gourmet dining?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet classic perfect for elegant dining.
Does this recipe require extensive culinary expertise?
No, it is an adaptation that elevates seafood without requiring professional skills.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The tags include saffron, cream sauce, and seafood.
What cuisine style does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under French cuisine.
How much total time is needed to sauté the onions and saffron?
It takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
What should I do with the wine mixture?
Raise the heat after pouring it in to bring the mixture to a boil.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, creamy, and infused with the flavor of saffron.
How do you handle the saffron before adding it?
The saffron threads should be crushed before being added to the pot.