Mussels with Chorizo, Tomato, and Wine
This is an Emeril recipe that got rave reviews from my family. We love mussels, and here in Holland, they are locally cultivated. So during the season, we try to have them once a week. I try new recipes frequently to change the pace. This recipe is my husband's favorite and gets requested often. It has an amazing flavor. I have changed it a little to suit my family's taste from the original recipe. Have plenty of crusty bread, as the juice is oh so good! This recipe serves either 2 meal portions or a first course for 4-6 people. The rule of thumb in Holland is to serve 1 kg of mussels per person for a dinner portion.
This is an Emeril recipe that got rave reviews from my family. We love mussels, and here in Holland, they are locally cultivated. So during the season, we try to have them once a week. I try new recipes frequently to change the pace. This recipe is my husband's favorite and gets requested often. It has an amazing flavor. I have changed it a little to suit my family's taste from the original recipe. Have plenty of crusty bread, as the juice is oh so good! This recipe serves either 2 meal portions or a first course for 4-6 people. The rule of thumb in Holland is to serve 1 kg of mussels per person for a dinner portion.
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- french bread
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 8 ounces chorizo sausage casings removed & chopped
- 7 roma tomatoes peeled, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 4 lbs fresh mussels scrubbed & debearded
- Carbohydrate 158.274203092572 g
- Cholesterol 440.354548563933 mg
- Fat 96.1132614848251 g
- Fiber 10.4971670501691 g
- Protein 160.993084329143 g
- Saturated Fat 38.9457531741799 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 serving(s) (1767g)
- Sodium 5128.61263088848 mg
- Sugar 147.777036042403 g
- Trans Fat 11.072490484576 g
- Calories 2174 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saute pan, cook the chorizo until brown over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.
- Add butter and when melted, add the onions, shallot, fennel seeds, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until veggies are tender.
- Add the garlic and tomatoes, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add mussels to the pan.
- Add the wine, 1/4 cup cream, and parsley, and bring to a boil.
- Stir mussels, cover, and cook until the shells have opened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove mussels from pan to serving bowls.
- Discard any shells that do not open.
- In the pan with the juice, bring to a boil.
- Allow to boil for 3 minutes.
- Add sausage and cream.
- Bring to a boil for 1 minute.
- Pour juice over mussels.
- Serve immediately with hot French bread for dipping.
A Taste of Holland: My Husband's Favorite Mussel Recipe
As a busy housewife here in the heart of Holland, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals is a constant balancing act. Between managing the household, tending to the garden, and making sure everyone is happy, a simple yet impressive dinner is always appreciated. This recipe, a tweaked version of an Emeril Lagasse creation, has become a family favorite, especially my husband's. Mussels are abundant here, and it's a treat to enjoy them fresh from our local cultivators, especially during the peak season. We try to have them at least once a week, and this recipe is frequently requested – a testament to its incredible flavor.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients working in harmony to create a truly memorable culinary experience. The rich, savory broth is the star, a perfect blend of spicy chorizo, sweet tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a touch of creamy richness. The mussels themselves are the perfect vessel for soaking up all that delicious flavor. We always have a loaf of crusty French bread on hand, ready to mop up every last drop of the succulent sauce – it’s simply too good to waste!
I’ve adapted the original recipe slightly over time, tweaking the ingredients to better suit our family’s palate. While Emeril’s version is outstanding, a few small adjustments have made it even more perfect for us. It's a testament to how a simple recipe can be personalized to perfectly match your own tastes and preferences. Cooking should be a journey of exploration and adaptation, and this recipe is a prime example of that.
The aroma that fills our kitchen while this dish simmers is truly intoxicating. The spicy notes of the chorizo mingle with the sweet fragrance of the tomatoes and the subtle perfume of the herbs, creating an appetizing symphony that promises a culinary delight. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying, a perfect representation of simple, fresh ingredients elevated to something extraordinary.
Beyond the taste and the ease of preparation, this recipe is also a reflection of our life here in Holland. It’s a dish that celebrates the bounty of our local produce, the simple pleasures of family time, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal together. The abundance of mussels readily available allows us to savour this dish throughout the season, creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a delightful first course for a larger gathering. Just remember to have plenty of crusty bread on hand – you won't want to miss a single drop of that incredible sauce!
The vibrant colors of the dish itself are a feast for the eyes. The deep red of the tomatoes, the rich brown of the chorizo, the glistening green of the parsley, and the pearly white of the mussels create a visually stunning presentation that perfectly complements the incredible flavors. It's a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious, a true testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients and a simple yet elegant cooking technique.
And finally, don’t forget the simple pleasure of sharing this dish with loved ones. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table, ready for a culinary adventure. The lively conversation, the sharing of laughter and stories, all enhanced by the delicious mussels, create a truly memorable dining experience. It’s not just a meal; it's a moment to cherish, a gathering of hearts and minds around a shared passion for good food and good company.
This recipe, for me, embodies the essence of home-cooked meals: simple, flavorful, and deeply personal. It is a dish that has brought joy to our family and will undoubtedly bring joy to yours. So go ahead, embrace the simplicity, and enjoy the delightful journey of creating this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
