• Home
  • About
  • Partner with us
  • Contact
  • Blog

Fresh Hunger

a simplistic approach eating thoughtfully & living abundantly

  • Home
  • about
  • recipes
    • Afternoon tea
    • Air-Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Asian Inspired
    • Bacon & Pork
    • Baking & Desserts
    • Beef, Lamb & Wild
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Chicken & Other Birds
    • Condiments & Dressings
    • Drinks
    • Entertaining
    • Fast & Fresh
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Grilling
    • Holidays
    • Lunch
    • Low-carb
    • Mains
    • Make-ahead & Freeze
    • Menus
    • Mexican inspired
    • Pies, Tarts & Pastries
    • Salads
    • Salmon
    • Sides & Veggies
    • Seasonal – fall & winter
    • Seasonal – spring & summer
    • Soups, Stews & Casseroles
    • Under 500 Calories
    • Vegetarian
  • Lovoni’s Lark
    • About Lovoni’s Lark
    • Adventure & travel
    • Happenings
    • Health
    • Home & garden
  • cookery help
    • how to
    • from scratch
    • pantry essentials
  • blog
  • Partner with us
  • Contact

mussels in sherry basil cream

May 6, 2019 by Lovoni + Leave a Comment

1.1kviews
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Mussels – the easiest seafood to cook at home. They require very little prep, other ingredients or time. Mussels in Sherry Basil Cream can be served as an appetizer in portioned bowls or plonk the whole pan down in the middle of the table & let everyone dig in, tearing off chunks of crusty bread to dip into the creamy, garlic sauce.

Jump to Recipe
mussels in sherry & basil cream

There are some points to note when cooking mussels & the first one is storage: if you’re not going to cook the mussels as soon as you get them home from the store then tumble them into a stainless or glass bowl, cover them a damp cloth & store them in the fridge – don’t place them in water.

mussels in sherry & basil cream

They can be stored like this for up to two days. When you’re ready to cook them, get the mussels & the rest of the ingredients prepped & ensure you have a large pan to cook them in – a wok or a deep frying pan works best – just make sure you have a lid. There are some points to note about mussels:

  • there are many different varieties of mussels – including fresh & salt water
  • generally, the black mussels are farmed
  • it’s thought the white-fleshed mussels are male & the orange-fleshed mussels are female, although this is is disputed
  • mussels can be baked, steamed, boiled, barbecued & fried
  • almost any flavor profile will complement mussels – French, Italian, Thai, Indian…Australian!
  • mussels are considered healthy – low in calories (about 145 per 3 oz); high in protein; low in carbs; low in fat & a good source of selenium, B12, zinc & folate
  • cultivated mussels can produce a pearl
  • before just you cook mussels, remove the beard, if there is one, that’s the hairy tentacle looking thing protruding from its shell; discard any broken shelled mussels & any that don’t close when you tap them before cooking – mussels are live (unless they’re frozen)
  • when cooked, the general rule is to discard any mussels that don’t open from a safety perspective but this has been proven to be false, you can try to open any that aren’t open or throw them if this proves too difficult
  • to eat a mussel still in its shell – prize it open & use the half of the shell without the mussel on it to dislodge it from the muscle holding it onto the shell, then scoop up some of the sauce & suck it off the shell
  • in the northern hemisphere a general ‘rule’ is to not eat mussels without the letter ‘r’ in the month – for safety reasons & because of spawning – but this depends where they’re from (colder waters of Canada versus the warm Florida waters). May is perfectly okay time of year to enjoy them
  • mussels take about two years to grow to edible size & can, apparently, live up to 50 years
mussels in sherry & basil cream
mussels in sherry & basil cream

Regardless of your kitchen prowess this is a simple recipe. With only a few ingredients – butter, onion, garlic, chili paste, dry sherry, basil & cream – Mussels in Sherry & Basil Cream, is prepped & ready to eat in 20 minutes. Fill the wine glasses, pop the pan down on a trivet (of some kind) in the middle of the of the table, break bread & enjoy. Cheers, Lovoni

mussels in sherry basil cream
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 1 vote

mussels in sherry & basil cream

When buying mussels, look for ones that are closed, or ones that close when you touch them, this means they’re still alive. If you aren’t using them on the day of purchase, place them in a glass or stainless bowl, cover them with a damp clean tea towel & store in the fridge. Sambal oelek (chili paste) is available in grocery stores and in Asian markets.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Australian
Author: Lovoni

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 large white onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • pinch salt & freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon sambal oelek chili paste, add more to suit your taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves, cut chiffonade (finely shredded) plus extra for garnish
  • 3 lbs live mussels, cleaned & beards removed (1.5kg)
  • crusty bread to serve

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a wok or large deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt & pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes or until the onion is softened.
  • Add the wine & sambal. Increase the head to medium-high & boil gently, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by about half. Add the cream & half the basil; bring to a simmer.
  • Add the mussels & stir. Cook, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring twice during cooking, or until the mussels are opened & tender. Do not overcook; discard any unopened mussels.
  • Stir in the remaining basil. Serve immediately garnished with extra basil & crusty bread .

You may also like

  • Brown Butter & Thai Basil Garlic Shrimp
    Appetizers
    Brown Butter & Thai Basil Garlic Shrimp
    Brown Butter & Thai Basil Garlic Shrimp - a spin on the regular garlic shrim...
  • thai basil mussel & shrimp stir-fry
    Appetizers
    thai basil mussel & shrimp stir-fry
    There are few countries whose cuisine can boast of the exotic allure of Thailand...
  • One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
    Fast & Fresh
    One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
    One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli - two words - garlic butter. And shr...
  • 3 white bean dips
    Appetizers
    3 white bean dips
    Dips are perfect for entertaining because you can have them & some crudites ...
  • TOMATO FENNEL SEAFOOD STEW
    Entertaining
    TOMATO FENNEL SEAFOOD STEW
    For those times when you've got to entertain in a hurry, it's a good idea to hav...
  • tuna & pineapple salsa tacos
    Entertaining
    tuna & pineapple salsa tacos
    Perfectly seared tuna, thinly sliced & draped inside warm tortillas, topped ...
share this
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on Yummly
Yummly
Share on Tumblr
Tumblr
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Filed Under: Appetizers, Entertaining, Fast & Fresh, featured, Fish & Seafood, Low-carb, Under 500 Calories Tagged With: creamy mussels, how to cook mussels, mussels

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

Subscribe!

for recipes & tips on eating thoughtfully & living abundantly


Archives

Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a per How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a personal inst account @lovonis_lark & I’d love for you to visit & give me a follow. I have lots of really fun things afoot & that’s the place where I’ll sharing so pop over. I’d love to connect with you; we can’t all just be about work can we? L xo
Capture by @danshow02 
Cocktail made by @kalliopicarolynjones 
This shot is from a fun photo shoot I was styling for last week. This is one of my favourite images. 
.
.
.
#cocktailsofinstagram #martini #drinksplashphotography #olives #lovonis_lark #lovoni #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #darkandmoodyfoodphotography
Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu is a blank canvas. Even if you’re not a tofu lover I promise this delivers. Crispy outside & creamy inside with a sweet, hot peanuttty dipping sauce this is my absolute favorite way to eat tofu. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/03/02/crispy-tofu-with-honey-sambal/
#tofu #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarian #tofurecipes #crispy #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylistlife #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #honey #sambal #onmytabletoday #onmytable #recipecreator
Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls for some cake. I have a nostalgic fondness for any sort of loaf cake. There’s something wholesome and reassuring about a cake cooked in a loaf pan. Not at all showy, a slice invokes, at times, a much-needed sense of security. It reminds me of mum and my nan, of times past back in my home in Sydney. I don’t recall if either mum or nan every made a Coconut Citrus Syrup Loaf but I know they both would of loved this recipe with its citrus tartness and the wonderfully sticky bottom from the syrup. Lovely just served on its own, it’s particularly good served with a dollop of clotted cream. 
https://freshhunger.com/2021/03/26/coconut-citrus-syrup-loaf/
#loafcake #lemony #freshhunger #lovoni #lemon #syrup #instabaking #onmytable #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #simpleliving #minimalist #eatcake #bakeathome #fromscratch #nutritionist #wholesome
Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of S Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of Sunburst juice - 1 orange, 2 red peppers, 3 carrots, 12 strawberries. Really quite good & packed with vitamin C. Have a great week everyone. Work on building some good habits. L xo 
.
.
.
#juice #juiceon #nutrition #nutritioncoach #nutritionist #nutritips #oranges #vitaminc #smallchanges #vitality #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a per How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a personal inst account @lovonis_lark & I’d love for you to visit & give me a follow. I have lots of really fun things afoot & that’s the place where I’ll sharing so pop over. I’d love to connect with you; we can’t all just be about work can we? L xo
Capture by @danshow02 
Cocktail made by @kalliopicarolynjones 
This shot is from a fun photo shoot I was styling for last week. This is one of my favourite images. 
.
.
.
#cocktailsofinstagram #martini #drinksplashphotography #olives #lovonis_lark #lovoni #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #darkandmoodyfoodphotography
Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu is a blank canvas. Even if you’re not a tofu lover I promise this delivers. Crispy outside & creamy inside with a sweet, hot peanuttty dipping sauce this is my absolute favorite way to eat tofu. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/03/02/crispy-tofu-with-honey-sambal/
#tofu #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarian #tofurecipes #crispy #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylistlife #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #honey #sambal #onmytabletoday #onmytable #recipecreator
Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls for some cake. I have a nostalgic fondness for any sort of loaf cake. There’s something wholesome and reassuring about a cake cooked in a loaf pan. Not at all showy, a slice invokes, at times, a much-needed sense of security. It reminds me of mum and my nan, of times past back in my home in Sydney. I don’t recall if either mum or nan every made a Coconut Citrus Syrup Loaf but I know they both would of loved this recipe with its citrus tartness and the wonderfully sticky bottom from the syrup. Lovely just served on its own, it’s particularly good served with a dollop of clotted cream. 
https://freshhunger.com/2021/03/26/coconut-citrus-syrup-loaf/
#loafcake #lemony #freshhunger #lovoni #lemon #syrup #instabaking #onmytable #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #simpleliving #minimalist #eatcake #bakeathome #fromscratch #nutritionist #wholesome
Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of S Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of Sunburst juice - 1 orange, 2 red peppers, 3 carrots, 12 strawberries. Really quite good & packed with vitamin C. Have a great week everyone. Work on building some good habits. L xo 
.
.
.
#juice #juiceon #nutrition #nutritioncoach #nutritionist #nutritips #oranges #vitaminc #smallchanges #vitality #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a per How are you? I wanted to let you know I have a personal inst account @lovonis_lark & I’d love for you to visit & give me a follow. I have lots of really fun things afoot & that’s the place where I’ll sharing so pop over. I’d love to connect with you; we can’t all just be about work can we? L xo
Capture by @danshow02 
Cocktail made by @kalliopicarolynjones 
This shot is from a fun photo shoot I was styling for last week. This is one of my favourite images. 
.
.
.
#cocktailsofinstagram #martini #drinksplashphotography #olives #lovonis_lark #lovoni #freshhunger #foodstylist #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #darkandmoodyfoodphotography
Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu Crispy Tofu with Honey Sambal - rather bland tofu is a blank canvas. Even if you’re not a tofu lover I promise this delivers. Crispy outside & creamy inside with a sweet, hot peanuttty dipping sauce this is my absolute favorite way to eat tofu. 

https://freshhunger.com/2022/03/02/crispy-tofu-with-honey-sambal/
#tofu #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarian #tofurecipes #crispy #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylistlife #foodstylingandphotography #darkandmoody #honey #sambal #onmytabletoday #onmytable #recipecreator
Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls Lemon Coconut Syrup Loaf - cold, snowy days calls for some cake. I have a nostalgic fondness for any sort of loaf cake. There’s something wholesome and reassuring about a cake cooked in a loaf pan. Not at all showy, a slice invokes, at times, a much-needed sense of security. It reminds me of mum and my nan, of times past back in my home in Sydney. I don’t recall if either mum or nan every made a Coconut Citrus Syrup Loaf but I know they both would of loved this recipe with its citrus tartness and the wonderfully sticky bottom from the syrup. Lovely just served on its own, it’s particularly good served with a dollop of clotted cream. 
https://freshhunger.com/2021/03/26/coconut-citrus-syrup-loaf/
#loafcake #lemony #freshhunger #lovoni #lemon #syrup #instabaking #onmytable #foodstylist #foodstylingandphotography #simpleliving #minimalist #eatcake #bakeathome #fromscratch #nutritionist #wholesome
Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of S Leaping (yes, leaping) into Monday with a jug of Sunburst juice - 1 orange, 2 red peppers, 3 carrots, 12 strawberries. Really quite good & packed with vitamin C. Have a great week everyone. Work on building some good habits. L xo 
.
.
.
#juice #juiceon #nutrition #nutritioncoach #nutritionist #nutritips #oranges #vitaminc #smallchanges #vitality #freshhunger #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling

Copyright © 2022 · Fresh Hunger · Designer Blogs