Recipe for Moules Frites

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup white wine
• ¼ cup fish stock or water
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the fries:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) potatoes, washed and cut into long strips
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt for frying

Instructions:

For the Mussels:
1. Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the potato strips in olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake until crispy, about 30-35 minutes.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until softened but not browned.

2. Add the white wine and bring to a simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

3. Add the fish stock or water and lemon zest. Bring back to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

4. Add the mussels and cover with a lid. Steam until all the mussels have opened (about 10-12 minutes). Discard any that remain closed.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

For Serving:
Serve the moules frites with the crispy fries on the side for a perfect pairing.