In some countries clams they constitute the basis of the daily diet and – interestingly – they are becoming more and more popular also in Poland.
They are valued not only for their taste, but also for their health-promoting properties – they are a source of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 acids that support brain function, have a beneficial effect on the heart and are good for joints. Their additional advantage is their versatile use in the kitchen – they can be prepared in various ways and served with various ingredients. What do mussels taste best with? How can you tell if they are fresh? And how to eat them properly? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.
What are mussels? To put it simply, it is a group of molluscs from the Mollusca type, including approximately 8-10 thousand species. Their characteristic feature is a flattened body, covered with two connected shells.
They occur in sea and fresh waters, and many of them are a source of food for humans – mussels and St. Clams are particularly popular in the kitchen. Jacob and mussels. They are valued for their attractive taste, delicate meat and high nutritional value.
Eating mussels – especially in a restaurant – may seem quite a challenge, but it is not as complicated as we imagine. First of all, it is worth remembering that only open shells should be included on the plate – those that remain closed after cooking are put aside and not eaten.
How to eat mussels? To remove the meat, you can use a small seafood fork, which is often served with the dish. In less formal situations, you can use a different technique – treat an empty shell like tongs and use it to remove the meat from subsequent mussels.
Are you planning to order mussels in sauce? Know that it is an equally important part of the dish. Most often, it is served in a deep bowl, so you can conveniently eat it with a spoon or dip bread in it – usually a baguette. It is recommended to put empty shells on a separate plate or in a waste bowl.
Remember to check whether the mussels are fresh before eating, especially if you prepare them yourself at home – this way you will avoid not only disappointment with the taste, but also health problems. The shells should be tightly closed before cooking. If one of them is slightly ajar, just gently tap it on the table top – the fresh mussels will react by closing tightly.
The smell of mussels is equally important – fresh specimens smell of sea water, not fish. An unpleasant, intense aroma means that they are no longer suitable for eating. Moreover, the shells should open during cooking – those that remain closed should be thrown away immediately.
Mussels are a universal ingredient that goes well with various additions and goes well with many dishes. What do mussels taste best with? Below you will find some options that you can use in your kitchen:
- white wine, garlic and parsley – a classic trio that creates an aromatic sauce and highlights the tenderness of the meat;
- fresh herbs – basil, thyme, coriander and dill combine perfectly with the sea aroma of mussels;
- crispy baguette – perfect for dipping in the sauce created during cooking;
- fish soups and broths – e.g. French bouillabaisse, where mussels are one of the main ingredients;
- pasta and rice – mussels in spaghetti or paella with mussels are the perfect choice for fans of Mediterranean cuisine.
Are you looking for more inspiration for dishes featuring mussels? Try , or .
Sources: fit.poradnikzdrowie.pl, guster.pl
