How to cook mussels?

The meat of mussels is famous for its useful properties and stunning taste qualities. Due to the low calorie content, mussels are especially appropriate for dietary nutrition, and the lion's share of the vitamins and amino acids contained in them will prolong youth, it will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair, skin and, in general, all body systems.

But it should also be borne in mind that with improper selection and preparation of mollusks, one can receive from their use not only the benefits, but also the harm. Before cooking, be sure to inspect the product purchased. This is especially true for mussels in shells. Among the general mass, substandard individuals can be caught, which can lead to stomach problems and even poisoning. You can not eat mussels, the shells of which before cooking were damaged or half-opened. If the mollusks in the shells are not alive, they can not be cooked. A kind of test to confirm the proper quality of the product is soaking it in cold water. Within twenty minutes, good mussels should sink to the bottom, and those that float on the surface need to be ruthlessly disposed of. In the same way, it is necessary to deal with undiscovered individuals even after the boiling is completed.

And now more in detail about how correctly and how much in time it is necessary to cook fresh, frozen and cooked-frozen mussels in shells and without them.

How to cook fresh and frozen mussels in shells?

After inspecting the product and making sure of its quality, carefully wash it, clean it from plaque and sand, lay the shells in a saucepan and add a little water. There should not be a lot of liquid, it just needs to cover the bottom a little. If desired, water can be mixed with white wine, and also add garlic, fragrant herbs or spices to your taste. After boiling, cook the mussels under the lid for about five to seven minutes. During this time, the correct mollusks should open, which will indicate their readiness.

In the same way brewed and frozen mussels in the shells, defreezing them previously in a sparing regimen on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator and washing well.

How to cook peeled frozen mussels?

If you have purchased frozen mussels already peeled, they must be defrosted and thoroughly rinsed, as in the case of individuals in shells. Do not neglect the last recommendation, relying on the decency of the manufacturer and hoping that the product is already clean. Very often fresh frozen mussels contain between the leaves a grain of sand. Agree, it is not very pleasant to enjoy a delicacy that is crunchy on your teeth.

Defrosted, washed product poured a small amount of water and after a full boil we cook for three to five minutes, depending on the size of the individuals.

How to cook boiled and frozen mussels?

If the inscription on the package with the purchased product says that the mussels are boiled-frozen in it, the process of cooking such a product is simplified. Many do not recommend such mollusks to be subjected to additional heat treatment, because it was already cooked before the manufacturer froze. But to avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of intestinal disorders, we recommend still placing thawed mussels in a small amount of hot water and boil them for a minute.

Ready-made shellfish can be served in its pure form, adding a slice of lemon or a favorite sauce suitable for seafood or add them to a salad or other dishes. But we take into account that it is not recommended to additionally expose a longer heat treatment, otherwise instead of a delicate delicacy we will get a taste of inedible rubber.