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Moules Frites

Plump mussels steamed open in white wine, shallots, and celery, served with a mountain of crisp twice-fried potatoes — Belgium’s national dish.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 15 minCook time
🍽 2Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Moules frites is Belgium’s national dish in one glorious plate: plump mussels steamed open in white wine, shallots, and celery, served with a cone of crisp golden fries. It is loud, messy, and absolutely right.

Restaurants across Belgium pile them high and let you work your way through the pot, using an empty shell as tongs. Soak the mussels well and discard any that stay closed after cooking.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Soak the mussels in cold water for 20 minutes; drain, scrub, and pull off any beards. Discard any that stay open when tapped.
  2. Heat the butter in a large pot; cook the shallots, garlic, and celery until soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the wine, parsley, bay leaf, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  4. Add the mussels, cover, and cook 5–7 minutes, shaking the pot once, until all shells have opened; discard any closed ones.
  5. Meanwhile, fry the potatoes in 300°F (150°C) oil for 5 minutes, then again at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crisp; season with salt.
  6. Serve the mussels in the pot with the broth, with fries and mayonnaise on the side.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use a mussel shell as tongs to eat — it is the traditional way. Do not overcook; mussels are done the moment they open.

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Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Servings2
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →