World Flavors Cookbook

Moules-Frites (Mussels with Fries)

Belgium's national dish — plump, fresh mussels steamed in white wine with shallots and herbs, served with a mountain of crispy, double-fried Belgian frites and mayonnaise.

Cuisine: Belgium

Ingredients

• 2kg fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 shallots, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 30g butter
• 250ml dry white wine
• 200ml cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Frites: 1kg Bintje potatoes, vegetable oil for frying
• Mayonnaise for dipping

Instructions

1. For frites: cut potatoes into thick sticks. Fry at 140°C for 6 minutes until soft but not colored. Drain. Fry again at 180°C until golden and crispy.
2. Sauté shallots and garlic in butter until soft.
3. Add white wine and bring to a boil. Add mussels, cover, and steam 4–5 minutes until all mussels open. Discard any that remain closed.
4. Stir in cream and parsley.
5. Serve mussels in the pot with frites alongside and mayonnaise for dipping.