Mussels in creamy sour cream and wine sauce

Mussels in creamy sour cream and wine sauce

The culinary journey we propose today will take you to a delicious dish, full of flavor and with an attractive appearance – mussels in creamy sour cream and wine sauce. These seafood are not only affordable but also very versatile, quickly becoming an ideal choice for a special dinner or a refined lunch. In supermarkets in Constanța, mussels can be found at very good prices, around 12 lei/kg, so you have no reason not to try this recipe!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh mussels
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 1 small dried chili pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ bunch of fresh parsley

Recipe history:
Mussels have been consumed throughout history by various cultures, appreciated for their delicate taste and juicy texture. This dish with creamy sour cream and wine sauce is a perfect combination of traditional and modern influences, bringing a touch of refinement to every plate.

Step 1: Cleaning the mussels
The first step, and perhaps the most complicated, is cleaning the mussels. This process requires a little patience, but it is worth the effort. Start by soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove sand. Use a toothbrush, a stainless steel scrubber, or a scraping knife to clean the shells. Make sure to remove the beards from the mussels, which they use to cling to rocks. Open mussels are not edible, so do not hesitate to throw them away. It is normal to lose about 20% of the initial mussels.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce
In a deep pan or wok, heat the olive oil together with the butter over low heat. When the butter becomes creamy, add salt to taste, the chopped chili pepper, and the finely chopped garlic. Mix the ingredients well and let them sauté for about a minute to release the flavors.

Step 3: Cooking the mussels
At this point, it is time to add the dry white wine. The flavors will blend perfectly, giving a special taste to the dish. Then, add the cleaned mussels to the pan. Cover the pot and let the mussels simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. You will notice that during this time, the shells will open, revealing the delicious meat.

Step 4: Finishing the dish
After 5 minutes, add the cooking cream. Mix the ingredients well and let it cook on high heat for a maximum of one minute, so that the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the stove and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving:
Mussels in creamy sour cream and wine sauce are delicious served alongside a portion of French fries or even a fresh green salad. You can add a slice of lemon for a splash of acidity to balance the rich taste of the sauce.

Practical tips:
1. Choose the freshest mussels – they should be closed and have a pleasant sea aroma. If you find open mussels, throw them away!
2. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some chili flakes or a fresh chili pepper.
3. Don’t forget to have a fresh baguette on hand to savor every drop of the delicious sauce!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen mussels? While it is preferable to use fresh mussels, you can also use frozen ones. Make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- What wine should I choose? Choose a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.
- How can I vary the recipe? You can add cherry tomatoes for a sweet-sour taste or mushrooms to enrich the texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Mussels are an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially B12), and minerals such as zinc and iron. A serving of mussels prepared this way has approximately 350 calories, depending on the amount of cream used. They are a healthy choice, rich in nutrients and low in fat.

I wish you great success in preparing this delicious recipe for mussels in creamy sour cream and wine sauce. Don’t forget to savor every bite and share this culinary experience with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!