Homemade Mussels and French Fries | Eats with Twan

mussels

🥗Healthier: clams

💰Cheaper: canned mussels

Canned mussels are more affordable and easy to find.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds a different flavor.

white wine

🥗Healthier: chicken broth

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Chicken broth is lower in calories, while vinegar adds acidity.

mayonnaise

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and adds creaminess.

Clean and dry the New Zealand mussels, removing any unpleasant pieces sticking out.

Dice 2 shallots and set aside for later use.

Cut the bottom off the russet potatoes for stability, then slice into thin pieces for French fries.

Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water, rinsing a couple of times to remove starch.

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.

Add the diced shallots to the melted butter and sauté until combined.

Stir in 3 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for acidity.

Pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and allow to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Season the mixture with black pepper, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon of Sazon complete seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, stirring to combine.

Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, placing them face down to soak up flavor.

Add an additional 4 tablespoons of butter to the pot and cover, cooking the mussels on high for 5 to 7 minutes until done.

Chop parsley for garnish and set aside.

Remove the soaked potatoes from the cold water after at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results) and pat them dry.

Heat peanut oil to 325°F for blanching the fries, then fry the potatoes for 3 minutes.

Increase the oil temperature to 375°F for the second fry, cooking the fries for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Season the fries with kosher salt and lay them out on a plate.

Plate the mussels with the sauce and serve alongside the fries, optionally adding toppings like hot sauce or Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens