Spicy caesar mussels with toast frites

17

PREP TIME

20 min

TOTAL TIME

30 min

Makes

4 Servings

Spicy caesar mussels with toast frites

Spicy caesar mussels with toast frites recipe Photo by Roberto Caruso

A fun and easy idea for hosting. Serve with an approachable Greek white wine.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices whole-wheat bread
  • 2 kg mussels
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 celery stalk , finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups Clamato juice
  • 1/4 cup vodka , optional
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tomato , seeded and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery leaves

Instructions

  • PREHEAT oven to 350F. Cut bread slices into 1/2-in.-thick “fries.” Spread out on a baking sheet. Toast in centre of oven until golden, flipping halfway through, about 10 min. Set aside.
  • RINSE and scrub mussels under cold running water. Remove beards. Discard any mussels that do not close.
  • HEAT a large pot over medium-high. Add oil, then celery. Cook, stirring often, for 1 min. Add Clamato, vodka, Worcestershire and Tabasco. Bring to a boil. Continue boiling for 5 min, then stir in mussels.
  • COOK, covered, until mussels have opened, 8 to 10 min. Discard any mussels that do not open. Transfer to 4 bowls and sprinkle with diced tomato and celery leaves. Serve with frites.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories
  • 274,
  • Protein
  • 22 g,
  • Carbohydrates
  • 33 g,
  • Fat
  • 6 g,
  • Fibre
  • 3 g,
  • Sodium
  • 816 mg.
Wine Pairings
Wine

Pair it with: An approachable Greek white.
Often referred to as Greece’s pinot grigio, this crisp, honey-drizzled example fits the bill perfectly when you’re serving up seafood. Citrus, peach blossom and ginger aromatics lead to a well-balanced mouthful, great with tomatoey mollusks.
Our Pick: Boutari Moschofilero, Greece, $12.

FILED UNDER: