Mussels au
Gratin
4 pounds fresh mussels
1/2 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided use
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided use
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup saltine cracker crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Scrub mussels under running
water; discard any that do not close; remove beards. In a large
pot, combine water, half the garlic and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
Bring to a boil. Add mussels and steam until shells open, about
7 to 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer mussels from
broth onto 2 shallow-rimmed baking sheets. Discard any unopened
mussels. Break off and discard top halves of shells.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Heat olive oil in a medium
skillet. Sauté onion and remaining garlic until soft.
Add parsley and lemon juice. Remove from heat and stir in cracker
crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over mussels. Bake for 5
minutes or until crumbs are light golden brown. Serve immediately
with lemon wedges, if desired.
Makes 12 servings.
Recipe provided courtesy
of National Fisheries
Institute.