Mussels Steamed in Beer with Crème Fraîche, Herbs, and Parmesan croutons

Ingredients for Mussels Steamed in Beer with Crème Fraîche, Herbs, and Parmesan croutons

• 4 5 x 3 x 1/2-inch slices country-style bread, crusts removed, bread cut into 3/4-inch cubes

• 80ml grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon

• 40g chopped fresh chervil (optional)

• 160ml crème fraîche*

• 45ml Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon whole grain brown mustard or whole grain Dijon mustard

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 large garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

• 2.3kg mussels, scrubbed, debearded

• 450g diced seeded tomatoes (about 4 large)

• 160g chopped spring onions (about 4)

• 1 350g bottle Belgian white beer (such as Hoegaarden)

Preheat oven to 191°C. Combine bread cubes, Parmesan, and oil in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Spread bread cubes evenly on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until bread cubes are crisp and golden around edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Mix parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil, if desired, in small bowl. Whisk crème fraîche and both mustards in another small bowl to blend; set aside.

Melt butter in extra-large pot with lid over high heat. Add garlic and thyme; stir 1 minute. Add mussels, tomatoes, and spring onions. Pour beer over, then add crème fraîche mixture; sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Cover tightly with lid and cook until steam appears, about 3 minutes. Add half of fresh herb mixture and stir until mussels and herbs are gently mixed. Cover tightly with lid again and cook until mussels open, 4 to 5 minutes (discard any mussels that do not open).

Using slotted spoon, divide mussels among 6 bowls. Season mussel juices lightly with salt and pepper, then pour juices over each serving. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan croutons and remaining herb mixture and serve.

• Available at most supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.