Black shell mussels with white wine, dill, lemon, and garlic (Черни миди с бяло вино, копър, лимон и чесън) is an authentic Bulgarian coastal dish that combines fresh mussels with a zesty white wine sauce, creating a flavorful and easy-to-prepare seafood meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves four people)
- 1 kg fresh black shell mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 250 ml white wine (dry)
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Clean the Mussels
Rinse the mussels under cold running water. Remove any beards and scrub the shells to remove dirt.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the White Wine and Mussels
Pour the white wine into the pot with the onions and garlic to deglaze. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cleaned mussels. Stir gently to coat the mussels in the wine and onion mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mussels steam for 5-7 (max) minutes or until they open. Do not add water. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
Step 4: Add Dill, Lemon, and Seasoning
Once the mussels have opened, stir in the chopped dill and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the mussels. Season with salt (gently) and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the mussels and the delicious white wine broth to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks
- Fresh Mussels: Always use fresh mussels for the best flavor. If you’re unsure if a mussel is still alive, give it a tap—if it doesn’t close, discard it.
- Chef’s Recommendation: Just before serving, add a small drizzle of olive oil and an extra squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors.
- Extra Flavor: To create a richer broth, add a small splash of cream in the last minute of cooking. Adding beef or chicken broth powder is a convincing method to increase the richness and texture of the mussel broth. Bear in mind that broth powder usually contains salt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed with fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes complements the dish perfectly.
Wine Matching
Pair this seafood dish with a crisp Bulgarian white wine, such as Misket or Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the zesty lemon and fresh dill flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The dairy-free recipe uses olive oil and no butter or cream.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Mussels are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze cooked mussels, as their texture can become rubbery after freezing.
About Black Mussels With White Wine
Black shell mussels, known as черни миди in Bulgarian, are a popular seafood delicacy along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Known for their tender texture and slightly briny flavor, mussels are often cooked simply with wine, herbs, and lemon to highlight their natural taste. This dish is a favorite in coastal restaurants and at home, where the focus is on fresh ingredients and quick, flavorful cooking.
Cultural Context
Mussels are a traditional staple along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, where seafood plays a significant role in local cuisine. In Bulgarian households, simple dishes like черни миди с бяло вино (black mussels with white wine) reflect the importance of using fresh, local ingredients. The combination of dill, lemon, and white wine gives the dish a distinctly Bulgarian touch, and these flavors are celebrated in many coastal recipes.
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