Depending on how they are cooked, mussels are presented either in a single mussel dish or on a mussel platter, designed to provide an attractive and practical presentation for enjoying mussels, particularly in professional catering or in a speciality restaurant.
Mussels are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to complement their flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for popular accompaniments for mussels:
- Chips: Mussels with chips are a classic, especially in Belgian and French cuisine. The crispy chips are a perfect accompaniment to the mussel sauce.
- Bread: Serving mussels with fresh bread is a great way to enjoy the delicious sauce. The bread can be used to dip into the sauce or to absorb the flavours of the mussels.
- Rice: White or basmati rice provides a neutral base to enhance the flavour of the mussels. Rice absorbs the sauce well and has a pleasant texture.
- Pasta: Pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, can be served with mussels to create a hearty and satisfying dish. The pasta absorbs the sauce from the mussels and offers a delicious combination of flavours.
- Vegetables: Vegetables such as leeks, onions, carrots and celery can be added to mussels to add texture and flavour. They can be sautéed with the mussels or served as a side dish.
- Sauce: A sauce made from white wine, garlic, parsley and crème fraiche is often served with mussels to add flavour and creaminess. The sauce can be poured over the mussels or served with them.
- Green salad: A fresh, crisp green salad can be served with the mussels to add freshness and lightness to the meal.
- White wine: a glass of dry white wine, such as Muscadet or Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the flavours of the mussels and make the meal even more enjoyable.
Of course, the best combination will depend on your personal preferences and the way the mussels are cooked.
The recommended portion of mussels per person may vary according to individual preference, appetite and the context of the meal. However, a typical serving of mussels for one person is around 500 to 750 grams.
Here are some considerations to take into account when deciding how much mussels to eat
- Individual appetite: some people eat more or less than others, so make sure you take everyone's appetite into account when preparing portions.
- Other side dishes: if mussels are served with other side dishes such as chips, bread, rice or vegetables, you can reduce the size of the mussel portion accordingly.
- Type of meal: If mussels are served as a starter or as part of a meal with other dishes, a smaller portion may be appropriate. On the other hand, if mussels are the main course, a larger portion may be preferable.
- Preparation of the mussels: If the mussels are served in their shells, it is important to take into account the weight of the shells when determining the portion size. In general, it is estimated that 1 kg of mussels in their shells gives about 300 to 400 grams of shelled mussels.
- Conviviality: if you're planning a convivial meal where people will be serving themselves from a large plate of mussels, you can estimate the total quantity based on the number of people and their average appetite.
To sum up, a typical portion of mussels for one person is generally between 500 and 750 grams, but this can vary depending on various factors. It's always a good idea to plan a little more than you need to avoid disappointment and make sure everyone is happy.
Here is a general estimate of the amount of mussels you will need to buy to serve 10 people: in general, one serving of mussels per person is around 500 to 750 grams of peeled mussels, so for 10 people you will need between 5 and 7.5 kg of peeled mussels in total.
It's important to note that this estimate may vary depending on a number of factors, such as individual preferences, the presence of other dishes on the menu and whether the mussels are served as a starter or main course. If you are serving mussels with other savoury accompaniments such as chips, bread, rice or vegetables, you can aim for the lower end of the range for the amount of mussels per person. If the mussels are the main course and you're serving little or no garnish, you can aim for the upper end of the range.
It's always best to allow a little more than you need to ensure everyone is well fed and to cater for a variety of appetites. You can also ask your local fishmonger or seafood supplier for advice on how many mussels to buy, depending on availability and freshness.
Mussel seasons vary according to region and local fishing practices, but generally speaking, mussels are considered to be freshest and most plentiful in the autumn and winter months. In Europe, for example, the mussel season is often associated with the months with an 'r' in the name, from September to April. This includes September, October, November, December, January, February, March and April.
However, it is important to note that nowadays, thanks to aquaculture, mussels are often available all year round and can be eaten at any time of the year. Farmed mussels are grown in aquaculture farms and are generally available on the fresh market throughout the year.
When buying fresh mussels, look for those that are closed and heavy for their size, indicating that they are alive. Avoid open or broken mussels as they may be dead and unsafe to eat. Fresh mussels should also smell clean and fresh.
In summary, although the traditional mussel season is generally the autumn and winter months, thanks to aquaculture you can usually find fresh mussels all year round. Just make sure you choose fresh, good quality mussels for the best possible culinary experience.
In France, there are several restaurants specialising in mussels, especially in Paris and Lille, although it's not as common as in countries like Belgium!
Discover the mussel plates made in France by Stellinox on our website.
Delivery time: product dispatched within 24 to 48 hours if available on stock, otherwise within generally 10 working days. Free delivery in metropolitan France from 300 euros Tax. Excl, or collection at our plant with an appointment (we do not have a retail shop).
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