MMMmonday - Mussels Stew

It's been a really long time since I posted a MMMmonday post, partly because while I was away in Canada I wasn't doing much cooking and now that we're back, I've been sadly neglecting my family and making lots of mid-summer easy fix things that really aren't recipes per say... I'm going to try and make an effort to get back into the swing of things... so without further ado...

This week's MMMmonday recipe is still quick and easy - but oh so good!

Mussels Stew


1-2 lbs (450-900 g) fresh live mussels, rinsed and de-bearded
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 Tbs (30 ml) butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2-4 cups (500-1000 ml) milk
1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
A grating of nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Combine the mussels and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer covered until the mussels open, about 3 minutes.
Drain the mussels, reserving the liquid. Discard any mussels that didn't open and remove the mussels from their shells, discarding the shells.
Heat the butter in a pot over moderate heat and saute the onion until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved cooking liquid, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer.
Add the mussels and serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley. Serves 4 to 6.

This meal is wonderful on it's own, or can also be used as a sauce over linguine! Another variation I like is to make a rose stew by adding a can of diced chopped tomatoes or 2-3 fresh diced plum tomatoes to the sauce!