Ep 6. The Secret to Steamed Mussels

Chef extraordinaire, Anne Burrell is back with another episode of Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, and this time she's revealing the secret to steamed mussels. In this episode, Anne invites viewers into her kitchen as she demonstrates how to make the perfect steamed mussels dish that will leave everyone begging for more.

Anne starts off by giving an overview of how to clean and debeard the mussels. She then moves on to preparing the base for the dish by sautéing garlic and shallots in olive oil. Once the aromatics are fragrant, she adds white wine, chicken stock, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. The mussel shells are then added, and the pot is covered, allowing the steam to cook the mussels to perfection.

But this is not Anne's only secret to a mouth-watering pot of mussels. She also shares her recipe for homemade Italian sausage that adds a spicy kick to the dish. Using ground pork, fennel seeds, and other spices, Anne creates a homemade sausage that is surprisingly simple to make. More importantly, the sausage adds an incredible depth of flavor to the mussels that makes them stand out from more traditional recipes.

To complement the mussels and sausage, Anne creates a deliciously tangy sauce by reducing the mussel cooking liquid and adding diced tomatoes, capers, and lemon juice. The final result is a beautifully balanced dish that highlights the unique flavors of the mussels while adding a bit of heat and acidity. Anne serves the finished dish with a side of crusty bread that is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Throughout the episode, Anne provides helpful tips and tricks for preparing and cooking mussels, as well as advice on how to present the dish in a way that is both beautiful and delicious. Her enthusiasm and passion for cooking are evident in every step of the process, making this episode educational and inspiring for both novice and experienced cooks.

One of the highlights of the episode is Anne's emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. She stresses the importance of choosing mussels that are still alive, explaining that they should be closed or tightly shut when purchased. She also advocates for using fresh herbs and spices, as well as making homemade sausage instead of buying pre-made versions that often contain fillers and artificial ingredients.

Overall, The Secret to Steamed Mussels is a wonderful addition to Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and a must-watch episode for anyone who loves cooking delicious and healthy meals. Anne Burrell's passion for food and teaching shines through in every aspect of the episode, making it an enjoyable and informative experience for viewers of all levels. With her expert guidance, anyone can create a restaurant-quality meal that their family and friends will love.