Appetizer: Mussels in a Clay Pot
Ingredients for 4 servings
21/2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
1 cup fish stock
4 stalks lemongrass, cut into 21/2-inch pieces and smashed
8 medium shallots, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
9 fresh Kaffir lime leaves, deveined
6 garlic cloves, chopped
3 small fresh red chili peppers, chopped
3 fresh green chili pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped coriander
Preparation
Wash and drain mussels in several changes of cold water, Discard any that have opened.
Pour fish stock into a 21/2-quart clay pot. In layers in the pot, arrange one-third of the mussels, one-third of the lemongrass, one-third of the shallots, on-third of the basil leaves, and one-third of the lime leaves. Continue to make layers with remaining mussels, lemongrass, shallots, basil, and lime leaves.
Cover pot and bring to a boil over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Increase heat to high for 5 to 6 minutes or until mussels have fully opened. Discard any that do not open.
With a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic, chilies, salt, and sugar until mashed into a paste. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with the coriander. Serve the paste as a condiment with the mussels. Make 4 servings.
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