Sauces and Dips

A Warm Tartare Mussel Cream Sauce is a unique culinary creation that combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional cream-based mussel sauce with the fresh, tangy, and herbaceous elements of a tartare sauce.

Components:

1. Mussel Cream Sauce:
   • The base of this sauce is made from the cooking liquid of fresh mussels, which is typically reduced and enriched with heavy cream and butter. This results in a velvety, luxurious sauce that carries the briny essence of the sea from the mussels.
2. Tartare Ingredients:
   • Classic tartare ingredients such as capers, gherkins, fresh herbs (like parsley and dill), and hard-boiled egg are finely chopped and mixed together. These ingredients are known for their bright, acidic, and fresh flavors.

Fusion:

• The magic of this dish comes from the combination of these two elements. The tartare ingredients are added to the warm cream sauce at the last minute, ensuring that they retain their crispness and vibrant flavors. The result is a sauce that is both rich and creamy, yet punctuated with sharp, fresh notes from the tartare mix.

Flavor Profile:

• The dish offers a balance of richness and freshness. The cream sauce provides a smooth, comforting base, while the tartare elements introduce acidity and crunch, creating a dynamic and well-rounded flavor experience. The mussels, with their tender texture and oceanic flavor, serve as the perfect vehicle for this sauce.

Serving:

• This sauce is typically served over the mussels, making it a sophisticated and flavorful dish that pairs well with crusty bread or as part of a seafood platter.

This fusion of warm and creamy with fresh and tangy creates a unique sauce that stands out in any culinary setting, offering a modern twist on classic flavors.

Here’s how you make it!

Ingredients:

• For the Mussels:
  • 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tartare Mix:
  • 2 tablespoons capers, finely chopped
  • 2 gherkins, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Mussels:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Add the cleaned mussels, cover the pot, and cook until the mussels open, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
   • Remove the mussels from the pot and set them aside. Strain the cooking liquid to remove any grit or shell pieces.
2. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • Return the strained liquid to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Tartare Mix:
   • While the sauce is reducing, combine the chopped capers, gherkins, parsley, dill, and hard-boiled egg in a bowl.
   • Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Finish the Sauce:
   • Just before serving, stir the tartare mix into the warm cream sauce. The tartare ingredients should be added at the last minute to retain their fresh, vibrant flavors.
   • Return the cooked mussels to the pot and gently toss them in the sauce to coat.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the warm tartare mussel cream sauce over the mussels in a shallow bowl, garnished with extra chopped herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fries.

Enjoy your delicious fusion of rich, creamy mussel sauce with the bright, tangy elements of tartare!