Moules Frites packs a big punch despite being so easy to prepare. It makes an amazing party dinner for people who don't like to be stuck in the kitchen for hours on end, and is just plain delicious. Our team is split over whether you should make your own or use frozen french fries. Will your fries taste better if you make them at home? Maybe...but also maybe not. You do you.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g) unsalted butter
3 large shallots (3 ounces; 85g), finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups (240ml) white wine
1 tablespoon (9g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or same weight
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 pounds (1.8kg) fresh mussels, scrubbed (about 60 mussels)
3 teaspoons grated lemon zest (4g) plus 4 tablespoons (60ml) fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 recipe Perfect Thin and Crispy French Fries or your preferred frozen fries
Mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought, for serving
Preparation
Step One
Cook french fries according to instructions on package, or using your own recipe.
Step Two
In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven or large pot set over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until very softened but not browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step Three
Increase heat to high, add wine, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Stir in mussels; cover and cook over high, shaking and tossing the pot at 1 minute intervals, until mussels are opened, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat (see notes); stir in lemon zest and juice and parsley. Serve with French fries and mayonnaise.
