Mussels with Garlic Butter



3 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed debearded
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter
3/4 cup finely chopped shallots
6 large garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1. Place mussels in heavy large Dutch oven, cover and cook over high heat until mussels open, shaking pan occasionally, about 5 minutes. Drain mussels, reserving liquid. Transfer mussels to bowl; discard any that do not open. Tent bowl with foil.
2. Melt butter in same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons parsley, lemon juice, lemon peel and reserved liquid from mussels and bring to boil. Season to taste with pepper. Drizzle garlic butter over mussels. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley.

Serves 6

Bon Appétit
May 1996