Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayo
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Karen Shinto
A spicy Provençal sauce called rouille inspired the mayo for this easy, elegant platter; you'll have enough extra for sandwiches.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Scrub mussels, pull off any tough "beards" from sides of shells, and discard any mussels that aren't tightly closed. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring wine and onion to a boil over high heat. Add mussels; cook, covered, until they open, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and let stand until cool enough to handle. Discard any closed mussels.
Step 2
2
Separate mussels from shells using a sharp knife. Set each mussel on a half-shell (choose flattish ones) and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover and chill.
Step 3
3
Toast saffron in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring, until slightly darker, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Step 4
4
In a blender, whirl garlic, roasted pepper, saffron, cayenne, and lemon zest and juice until smooth. Add mayonnaise and whirl to blend. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 5
5
Pour salt onto 2 platters. Set mussels level on salt. Dollop mayo on each and top with a parsley leaf.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Through step 4, up to 1 day, chilled airtight; through step 5, up to 3 more hours, chilled uncovered.
Ingredients
60 small to medium mussels (2 to 2 1/2 lbs.)
1 cup Chardonnay
1 small onion, chopped
1 pinch saffron threads
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/3 cup drained jarred roasted red pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Rock salt (for serving)
60 small flat-leaf parsley leaves
Directions
Step 1
1
Scrub mussels, pull off any tough "beards" from sides of shells, and discard any mussels that aren't tightly closed. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring wine and onion to a boil over high heat. Add mussels; cook, covered, until they open, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and let stand until cool enough to handle. Discard any closed mussels.
Step 2
2
Separate mussels from shells using a sharp knife. Set each mussel on a half-shell (choose flattish ones) and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover and chill.
Step 3
3
Toast saffron in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring, until slightly darker, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Step 4
4
In a blender, whirl garlic, roasted pepper, saffron, cayenne, and lemon zest and juice until smooth. Add mayonnaise and whirl to blend. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 5
5
Pour salt onto 2 platters. Set mussels level on salt. Dollop mayo on each and top with a parsley leaf.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Through step 4, up to 1 day, chilled airtight; through step 5, up to 3 more hours, chilled uncovered.
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