Mussels in fish sauce recipe

This is a healthy, low-fat version of the French and Belgian classic dish Moules mariniere.

Ingredients

• 1kg (2 1/4lbs) mussels
• 110g (4oz) shallots, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 wineglass white wine
• 150ml (1/4pt) fish stock
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method

1. Scrape and wash the mussels well. Remove the beard on the side of the shell and any grit or sand. Discard any open mussels or those with broken shells since these may be dead. If in doubt, tap the mussels on its side. If it remains open, discard it, if it closes it's OK to use. Once they are thoroughly cleaned check the mussels over making sure there are no broken shells.
2. In a non-stick pan dry-fry the shallots until soft, add the garlic and cook for a further 30 secs.
3. Add the mussels, wine, stock and peppercorns. Squeeze out the juice from the lemon halves and squeeze over the mussels and stock. Add the lemon halves to the pan and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Cook over a high heat for 2-3 mins or until the mussel shells are open.
5. Spoon the mussels into a serving bowl, discarding any unopened shells. Sprinkle with the parsley.
6. Using a sieve strain the cooking liquor over the mussels and serve immediately.