Mussel Broth

Mussel Broth
  • Author: Paul Ainsworth

This delectable recipe combines fresh mussels with fragrant herbs and spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic broth that perfectly complements the tender shellfish. Pair this dish with crispy sourdough bread to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. Enjoy a delightful meal that brings together the taste of the sea with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • 1.5kg/3lb 5oz mussels
  • dash olive oil
  • 4 shallots
  • 1 garlic
  • 10g pickled ginger
  • 10g fresh root ginger
  • 2 red chillies
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 15g/½oz palm sugar
  • 1 stick lemongrass
  • 1 litre/1¾ pints fish stock
  • ½ x 200ml/7fl oz tin coconut milk
  • , to taste soy sauce
  • 1 lime
  • 1 loaf good-quality sourdough bread
  • 10g basil
  • 10g coriander

Instructions

  • Wash the mussels under plenty of cold, running water. Discard any open ones that won't close when lightly tapped.
  • Pull out the tough, fibrous beards protruding from between the tightly closed shells and then knock off any barnacles with a large knife. Give the mussels another quick rinse to remove any little pieces of shell. Set aside.
  • Over a low to medium heat, fry the shallots in a large pan in a little olive oil until soft, but still colourless. Add the garlic, both the pickled and fresh ginger, sliced chillies, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar and lemongrass. Cook this gently for another eight minutes, adding a little water if the mixture starts to colour.
  • Pour in the fish stock, bring to a simmer and cook until the volume of liquid has reduced (about five minutes). Add the coconut milk and simmer for a further 5-8 minutes. Taste the broth, check the seasoning and adjust with soy sauce and lime juice, to taste. Leave to cool.
  • Heat a wok or a medium-sized saucepan on a medium heat. Add the mussels, turn down the heat and cook gently with a lid on until all the mussels are open (discard any that do not open). Add the broth.
  • Cut the sourdough bread into slices and rub it all over with olive oil. Heat a griddle pan and chargrill the bread on both sides.
  • Sprinkle the broth with freshly chopped basil and coriander and lime zest and serve in bowls with the sourdough.

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Cook Time

30M

Prep Time

PT30M

Yield

Serves 2