Mussels with Coconut Green Curry and Lime
I love mussels; but I think what I really mean is that I love the mussels at Yia Yia’s. I meet friends there often on Friday for Happy Hour (it’s our Cheers) and at $4/order, the mussels are a great appetizer dish. They’ve traditionally been made with White Wine and Garlic and I know that’s pretty standard but it’s also pretty damn good!
I met some friends there last weekend and was excited for them to try my favorite Happy Hour food. So what was up with us getting a new menu item? North African mussels in a curry sauce. I was disappointed until I tried them. Not what I was expecting but good nonetheless and this recipe, while including curry in another altogether different take, looks delicious.
I might still love my white wine ones the best; but I’m finding it’s also fun to switch it up a bit!
Yield: serves 2-4
Time: 35 minutes
3 pounds mussels
1 (15oz) can coconut cream
2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
1/2 lime, juice only
1 cup chopped cilantro
Kosher salt
2 shallots, finely sliced
1/4 cup flour
Vegetable oil for shallow frying
2 limes, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Rinse the mussels under cold running water while scrubbing with a brush. Remove the stringy mussel beards with your thumb and index finger as you wash them. Discard any mussels with broken shells.
Combine lime juice, curry paste, cilantro and 2 tablespoons of coconut cream in a blender. Process until smooth and you have a bright green puree. Set aside.
Set a large pot over high heat. Once it is hot dump in the mussels then add the plain coconut cream. Cover and boil for 10 minutes until the mussels open. When done remove the lid, add the green curry puree and mix well. Drain before serving.
While the mussels are steaming prepare the shallot garnish. Slice shallot into thin circles. Toss in seasoned flour to lightly coat then shallow fry in oil until crispy.
Drain on paper towels and sprinkle on top of the mussels just before serving. Serve with fresh wedges of lime.
Recipe and picture courtesy Tyler Florence for #Twtlish Cooking Class on Twitter
