Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSmythMussels And Frites Recipe

Mussels And Frites Recipe

Inspired by Smyth
Time45m
Serves4

offered Belgian-style, cooked in beer

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Ingredients

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Mussels

Frites

Method

Mussels Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the Mussels

    Thoroughly rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any dirt or barnacles. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.

  2. 2

    Cook the Aromatics

    In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Beer and Mussels

    Pour in the Belgian beer, then add the cleaned mussels and season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and increase the heat to high. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels have opened.

  4. 4

    Garnish and Serve

    Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley. Serve the mussels in a bowl with some of the cooking liquid.

Frites Preparation

  1. 5

    Prepare the Potatoes

    Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips resembling French fries. Rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.

  2. 6

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep pot or a deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.

  3. 7

    Fry the Potatoes

    Carefully add a handful of potato strips to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

  4. 8

    Season and Serve

    Sprinkle the fried potatoes with salt to taste while they are still hot. Serve alongside the mussels for a classic Belgian dish.

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