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Thai Red Curry with Mussels

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • •BASIC-EASY
  • •FAST

In Thailand, fresh chiles are typically ground to a potent paste with lemongrass, cilantro, kaffir lime leaves and spices, then blended with coconut milk for a slightly fruity flavor.

Plus: More Seafood Recipes and Tips

  1. 1/4 cup dry white wine
  2. 2 bay leaves
  3. 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  4. 3 pounds small mussels, scrubbed and debearded
  5. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  6. 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  7. 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  8. 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  9. 1 to 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  10. 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  11. 1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  12. 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce (nam pla)
  13. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  14. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  15. Steamed rice, for serving
  16. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  17. 2 scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
  18. Diced lime sections, for garnish
  1. Heat the oil in the saucepan. Add the shallots and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Pour in the mussel broth, stopping when you reach the grit, and simmer until slightly reduced and flavorful, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add the coconut milk, sugar, fish sauce and lime juice to the sauce and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add the mussels and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Ladle the stew into a large bowl. Serve at once one the rice, passing the cilantro, scallions and lime sections at the table.
Notes Thai red curry, unsweetened coconut milk and Thai fish sauce are available at Asian markets and many supermarkets.

Suggested Pairing

Pair with Kirin Lager from Japan.