Moules Frites—mussels with fries—is a classic Belgian dish that’s all about simple, delicious flavors. Imagine tender mussels cooked in a rich, savory broth served alongside crispy, golden fries. It’s a pure comfort appetizer. With this moules frites recipe, you can bring a taste of Belgium to your own kitchen. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal or even for impressing guests. Let’s dive into the steps to make this best moules frites recipe!

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Belgian moules frites recipe:

Mussels

• 2 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional if you like a creamier sauce)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Fries

• 4 large russet potatoes (or 10 ounces of store-bought frozen French fries)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

These ingredients will give you that perfect combination of moules et frites: mussels with a savory white wine and garlic broth, paired with fries that are crispy and golden.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prep the Fries: Peel and cut the potatoes into thin sticks. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Clean the Mussels: Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing them clean. Pull off any beards (those stringy bits) and throw away any mussels that stay open after you give them a gentle tap.

Cooking

1. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). 
2. Fry the potatoes in small batches for about 3-4 minutes until they’re pale and soft. 
3. Remove and let them drain on paper towels. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy. 
4. Transfer them to a plate and sprinkle with salt.
5. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. 
6. Pour in the white wine and broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. 
7. Add the mussels, cover the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, giving the pot a good shake occasionally until the mussels open up. Discard any that didn’t open.
8. Stir in the cream (if you’re using it) and season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Let it simmer for another minute to bring all the flavors together.

Serving

Serve your moules aux frites immediately. Spoon the mussels into bowls along with some of that delicious broth, and add a side of crispy fries. A few slices of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce make it even better.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Variations

• Extra Creamy: For a richer broth, add a little extra heavy cream or even a splash of coconut milk.
• No Wine? No Problem: If you’re out of white wine, substitute with an extra cup of broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
• Kick of Spice: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice twist if you like a bit of heat.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Switch things up by using sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory mussels.

Conclusion

This moules frites recipe brings a little slice of Belgian comfort straight to your table. With tender mussels in a flavorful broth and crispy fries on the side, it’s the kind of meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it up for guests, this Belgian moules frites recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of Belgium right at home!