*  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.
  
 
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -