*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                         MUSSELS A LA PORTUGUESE

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 3    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Seafood

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/2   kg           Mussels
   4       ea           Shallots chopped finely
   1       ea           Garlic clove chopped
   2       tb           Olive oil
   3       ts           Butter
     2/3   c            Dry white wine
     1/3   c            Water
   3       ts           Finely chopped parsley
   2       ea           Fresh thyme sprigs or
                        -pinch of dried thyme
   2       ea           Bay leaves
     1/2   ts           Ground black pepper
 125       ml           Fresh cream
   1       x            Extra chopped parsley
   1       x            Lemon quarters

  Wash the mussels under running water, and remove all
  traces of mud, seaweed and barnacles. Remove
  beards(the rough fury part around the mussel). If
  mussel shells are cracked or broken, discard them. If
  any mussels are slightly open, tap sharply, and if
  they don't close, discard.
  
  Gently fry the garlic and shallots in olive oil and
  butter until transparent but not coloured. Add wine,
  water, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, pepper and mussels.
  Pour cream over the top. Cover pan , bring to boil and
  steam over a high heat for about 4 minutes, shaking
  pan constantly. The shells will open as the mussels
  cook.
  
  Serve as soon as the shells open. Serve in deep bowls
  like mixing bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and
  lemmon quarters.
  
  Don't forget a large spoon to scoop up the juice.
 


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