Recipe Book/Europe/Italy/

Grilled Parmesan Mussels

Serves: 4

Cooking: 10 minutes

Preparation: 25 minutes

 (not including soaking time)

Ingredients:

1.8kg/ 4lb

mussels

300ml/½ pt

dry white wine

topping:

50g/2 oz

butter

30ml/ 2tbsp

garlic, peeled & Crushed

30ml/ 2tbsp

fresh parsley, chopped

30ml/ 2tbsp

fresh basil, chopped

grated lemon rind

5ml/ 1tsp

lemon juice

50g/2 oz

Parmesan cheese, finely grated

 

freshl groun black pepper

Method:

Discard any mussels that remain open when tapped. Scrub the shells under cold running water and pull off beards.

Leave to soak for an hour in cold water before using.

Beat together the topping ingredients, seasoning to taste. Reserve.

Place the closed mussels in a large saucepan, pour over the white wine, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until the shells open.

Discard any mussels that stay closed. Strain off the liquor and reserve.

Break off the empty half of each mussel and spread the topping mixture over each mussel, ensuring that they are completely covered.

Moisten with a little of the liquor and cook under a moderate grill until golden brown.