Mussels In Half Shells With Cilantro And Tomato Recipes

MUSSELS WITH CILANTRO - MEXICO

Steps:

• Reserve 4 small sprigs of cilantro for garnish. Remove the leaves from the stems of the rest, and discard the stems. Rinse and dry the leaves, and set them aside. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of loosely packed cilantro leaves.
• Heat the oil in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add the scallions, garlic and chilies, and saute a few minutes over medium heat until soft but not brown. Add the wine and lime juice, bring to a boil, then add the mussels.
• Cover, and cook until the mussels open, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the mussels from the pan, and place in a bowl. Cover to keep warm.
• Return the saucepan to the stove, add the cilantro and simmer a few minutes, until the cilantro wilts. Place the contents of the saucepan in a blender, and puree. Pour back into the saucepan, add the cream and bring to a simmer. Return the mussels to the saucepan, cover and reheat briefly.
• To serve, place the mussels in 4 soup plates and spoon the sauce over each portion.
• Garnish with the reserved sprigs of cilantro.

MUSSELS IN HALF SHELLS WITH CILANTRO AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Scrub mussels, removing any beards that may still be attached.
• Steam until they just open; discard any that remain closed.
• Pull each mussel open, being careful not to tear the shell apart.
• Onto each mussel put a teaspoon of tomato seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with bell pepper and cilantro.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and heated butter and white wine.
• Serve hot.