If you're a fan of mussels, you'll be familiar with classic dishes such as moules mariniere and bouillabaisse. However, there are a number of lesser-known dishes that are packed with fresh flavours that complement the slightly nutty, creamy taste of mussels. Here are five mussels dishes that every seafood fan should try:
Black Pepper Mussels With Irish Stout
Steaming mussels in Irish stout gives this dish a deep, earthy flavour, and the addition of freshly ground black pepper adds a fiery kick and brings balance to the dish. Black pepper mussels with Irish stout is a hearty dish that's best enjoyed with a generous slab of soda bread to mop up the juices, and the dish also pairs well with sautéed greens.
Curried Sweet Potato And Mussels
Mussels and sweet potato may seem like an odd combination, but the creamy sweet potato balances the spices in the curry and brings out the unique flavour of the mussels. The curry has a rich tomato-and-yogurt base, and the combination of a number of spices, such as smoked paprika, turmeric and garam masala, give the dish a deep, warming flavour. Curried sweet potato and mussels is typically served with steamed rice or roti, which is a flatbread made with fine-milled wheat and ghee.
Herby Barbecued Mussels
Jumbo mussels are ideal for barbecuing, and they take on the flavours of bunches of herbs placed on top of the embers during cooking, such as rosemary and thyme. Smoky barbecued mussels pair well with a garlic-and-lemon dressing that's drizzled over them just before serving. This dish is best served with a crunchy salad or bruschetta.
Bacon And Brie Tarts With Mussels
Made with a rich, buttery pastry, bacon and brie tarts with mussels will tantalise your taste buds as the sharp flavour of the melted brie contrasts with the salty, crispy bacon and melt-in-your-mouth mussels. Enjoy this dish with balsamic-dressed leaves and mixed pickles.
Mussels Pappardelle
Succulent mussels cooked in a rich sauce made with double cream, garlic, shallots and tarragon are tossed through fresh pappardelle pasta to create a rich, fragrant dish that's delicious with a side of seasonal vegetables. Mussels pappardelle is ideal as a hearty lunch served al fresco with a glass of white wine and a selection of olives.
These are just a few examples of delicious mussels dishes that bring new flavours to a longstanding favourite. Next time you're at a seafood restaurant, ask your server to recommend a mussels dish based on your favourite flavours, and have fun exploring.
