Our full recipe guide on how to make Moules one of the most popular dishes in Belgium.
Moules, or mussels, are beloved in many coastal and European regions, particularly in Belgium and France. Preparing them at home is straightforward and can deliver a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.
Moules marinières is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests. Enjoy the succulent flavors of the sea with this easy-to-follow recipe!
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How to Make Moules
Moules Recipe Ingredients
2 pounds of fresh mussels
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2-3 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Optional: 1/2 cup of cream for a richer sauce
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Step By Step How to Make Moules
Clean the Mussel
Rinse the mussels under cold water. Pull off any beards (the fibrous tufts sticking out from the shells) and scrape off any barnacles with a knife. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or melt the butter. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, and sauté until they are soft but not browned.
Cook the Mussels
Pour the white wine into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Add the cleaned mussels and cover the pot. Let them steam for about 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally until the mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed after cooking. If using, add the cream to the broth after the mussels have opened, and heat through.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with plenty of chopped parsley. Serve the mussels in bowls, with the broth spooned over them. Pair with crusty bread to sop up the flavorful broth.
Tips To Make Moules
Make sure to use fresh mussels for the best taste and texture. They should smell like the ocean and be closed tightly when you buy them. Do not overcook the mussels; they should just be cooked until they open. Overcooking can make them tough.
Moules marinières are traditionally served with French fries (moules-frites) or with bread. You can enhance the broth by adding ingredients like chopped tomatoes, leeks, or herbs such as thyme and bay leaves.
How Many Calories Have Moules
A serving of moules without the cream (about 1 pound of mussels, which is roughly half the recipe above) contains approximately 290 calories.
Adding cream will increase the caloric content, roughly adding 100 calories per serving depending on the amount used.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.