Embrace the flavor of the sea with this simple (and quick!) mussels recipe.
The fact that mussels are flavorful and cook in minutes is a boon to any cook, especially a busy one. Cook mussels too long and they wizen and lose flavor, but cook them carefully and you will enjoy flavors that evoke the essence of the sea.
I think mussels' delicate flavor is best appreciated when they are prepared simply.
— Roger
Cooking mussels this way allows them to steam in their own juices. Place the mussels flat in the baking pan so that their juices do not drain out.
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
4 pounds cleaned mussels
Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Put the garlic, onion, and oil in a large nonreactive baking dish. Top with the mussels. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mussels open completely.
Discard any that do not open. Serve immediately with the mussel liquor on the side.
From the "Legal Sea Foods Cookbook" by Roger Berkowitz and Jane Doerfer, illustrated by Edward Koren.