Moulen

Luxembourg Moulen Recipe with Mussels, Leeks, Carrots and Riesling

Region / culture: Luxembourg | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Moulen is a classic French dish that features fresh mussels cooked in a flavorful broth of white wine, vegetables, and herbs. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and is a great option for a special dinner or entertaining guests.

History

Moulen has its origins in French cuisine, particularly in the coastal regions where mussels are abundant. It is a popular dish in French bistros and seafood restaurants, often served with crispy pommes frites and a glass of white wine.

Ingredients

3-4 kg cleaned mussels
2 leeks
1 carrot
1 onion
1-2 shallots
1 large stick of celery and some celery leaf
a bunch of parsley
5 bulbs of garlic
0.5 bottle of riesling
150 g butter
pepper and salt
a sprig of thyme
2 tarragon leaves

How to prepare

Clean all the vegetables, except the garlic, and finely chop them.
Allow the butter to soften at room temperature.
In a large pot, lightly fry the onion and shallots in 50 g of butter. Add the finely chopped vegetables, thyme, and tarragon.
Pour 0.5 of riesling into the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, crush the garlic and mix it with the remaining 100 g of butter. Season with freshly milled pepper.
Place the pot over high heat and add the mussels, pouring in the remaining wine.
Cover the pot tightly.
Stir the contents every two minutes in a circular motion to prevent the mussels from sticking to the bottom.
After ten minutes, most of the mussels should have opened.
Add the garlic butter to the pot.
Continue stirring for two or three minutes until the sauce is well mixed.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Serve mussels with crispy pommes frites and a high-quality riesling.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the broth for a different flavor profile.
Use different herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to change up the taste of the dish.
Add a splash of cream to the broth for a richer sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to clean the mussels thoroughly before cooking to remove any sand or debris.

- Use a high-quality riesling wine for the best flavor in the broth.

- Be sure to cover the pot tightly while cooking the mussels to ensure they steam properly.

- Stir the mussels gently every few minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve moulen with crispy pommes frites, a fresh green salad, and a glass of riesling wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Moulen is traditionally cooked by steaming the mussels in a flavorful broth until they open. Be sure to cover the pot tightly and stir the mussels gently to ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have riesling wine, you can use another dry white wine such as sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. You can also use vegetable broth as a substitute for the wine.

Make Ahead Tips

You can clean the mussels and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when preparing the dish. However, it is best to cook the mussels just before serving to ensure they are fresh and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas

Serve moulen in a large bowl with the broth and mussels, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Moulen pairs well with a crisp white wine such as riesling or sauvignon blanc. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Moulen is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Mussels are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Allergens: Shellfish, dairy

Summary

Moulen is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option for seafood lovers.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was handed down to me by my great-grandmother, who learned it from a traveling chef who passed through our village many years ago. The recipe was for a dish called Moulen, a savory and comforting stew made with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.

I remember watching my great-grandmother as she prepared the dish, her hands deftly chopping vegetables, browning the beef, and simmering the stew until it was fragrant and delicious. The aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I would spend hours in the kitchen, chopping, simmering, and tasting until I had perfected the dish to my own tastes.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, each one adding their own touches and making it their own. It has become a beloved staple in our family, a dish that we all look forward to on cold winter nights or rainy Sundays.

I know that the recipe for Moulen will continue to be passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own memories and experiences to the dish. And I am proud to be a part of that tradition, carrying on the legacy of my great-grandmother and the traveling chef who first introduced us to this delicious meal.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a warm and comforting meal, I hope you will give my recipe for Moulen a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.