Skip to main content

Mussels with Leeks, Saffron and Cream

Serve this flavorful saffron-scented dish as either an appetizer or a main course.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 main course servings or 8 appetizer servings

Ingredients

2

tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

2

large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced

4

dozen mussels, scrubbed, debearded

1

cup dry white wine

8

fresh parsley sprigs

10

saffron threads, crushed

1

/2 cup whipping cream

2

tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Melt butter in heavy large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes.

    Step 2

    Combine mussels, wine and parsley sprigs in large Dutch oven. Cover and cook over high heat until mussels open, about 6 minutes. Using tongs, transfer mussels to large bowl, discarding any that do not open. Strain mussel juices into skillet containing leeks. Add saffron and cream to skillet; boil until reduced to sauce consistency, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Add mussels and any accumulated juices to skillet. Stir over medium heat until heated through, about 2 minutes. divide mussels among 4 bowls; pour sauce over.