Creamy Lemon & Garlic Mussels

Category: Main Meals, Seafood, Comfort Food
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1–2 tbsp butter
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chilli, to taste (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 250 ml white wine
• 800 g cleaned mussels
• ½ cup parsley, chopped
• 500 ml cream
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the aromatics:
   Heat a pan with a lid (or medium pot) over medium to medium-high heat.
   Melt butter and add onion, black pepper, chilli (if using), lemon zest, and garlic.
   Fry until aromatic and the onion is translucent.
2. Cook the mussels:
   Add lemon juice and white wine. Bring to a simmer.
   Add mussels and half of the parsley.
   Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels.
3. Finish the sauce:
   Stir in the cream and season lightly with salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened.
4. Serve:
   Sprinkle remaining parsley over the mussels.
   Serve hot with fresh bread for dipping.

Optional Tips:

• Swap cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Serve over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.