Moules Frites (Mussels in White Wine and Pancetta) is a classic French dish that combines tender mussels steamed in a flavorful white wine and pancetta broth, served with crispy fries (frites). This quick, easy, and flavorful dish brings together savory pancetta, garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine to create a broth that elevates the delicate taste of the mussels. A final touch of crispy pancetta and Parmesan fries makes this dish feel restaurant-worthy, while being simple enough to prepare at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mussels:

• 2 lbs fresh mussels

• 4 oz pancetta (pre-packaged, cubed)

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ onion (white or yellow, diced)

• 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

• 1 cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or dry white wine)

• 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ tsp salt

For the Frites:

• Frozen shoestring fries

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

• Parmesan cheese (for garnishing)

Directions

1. Render the Pancetta:

   • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the pancetta and cook until crispy (5-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Assemble the Broth:

   • In the same pan, add diced onion and garlic, and cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

   • Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add chili flakes and cook for 3 minutes. Then add broth, butter, and salt.

3. Cook the Mussels:

   • Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover, and cook for 4-7 minutes, stirring halfway. Discard any unopened mussels.

4. Prepare the Fries:

   • While mussels cook, bake fries according to package instructions. Once cooked, toss in parsley and grated Parmesan.

5. Serve:

   • Place mussels in bowls, top with crispy pancetta, and serve with Parmesan fries on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 495 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Sodium: 890mg

• Potassium: 540mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 7g

The Mussels: Tender and Flavorful in a Rich Broth

The mussels are the star of the dish, and they are cooked in a delicious broth made with white wine, pancetta, garlic, and onions. The mussels themselves have a sweet, briny flavor that is enhanced by the rich, savory broth. To begin, pancetta is rendered in a Dutch oven over medium heat, allowing the fat to release and become crispy, adding a depth of flavor to the broth. The pancetta’s saltiness and richness infuse the broth, providing the perfect base for the mussels.

Garlic and onions are then added to the pan, softened to release their aromatic flavors. The white wine deglazes the pan, lifting any browned bits from the pancetta, adding an additional layer of complexity to the broth. A splash of chicken or vegetable broth enhances the flavor further, and a knob of butter creates a silky texture that coats the mussels. The addition of red chili flakes is optional, but it gives a slight heat to balance the richness, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering it.

Once the broth is ready, the cleaned mussels are added to the pot, and the lid is covered. The mussels are steamed in this flavorful broth for 4-7 minutes, during which time they open up, revealing their tender flesh. Any mussels that do not open should be discarded, as they may not be safe to eat. The mussels absorb the savory, buttery broth, creating a delicate and delicious contrast of flavors.

The Frites: Crispy and Golden with a Parmesan Finish

Moules Frites wouldn’t be complete without a side of crispy fries. For convenience, frozen shoestring fries work perfectly, offering that ideal crisp texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft, flavorful mussels. Bake the fries according to the package instructions until golden brown and crispy.

Once the fries are cooked, they’re tossed in a mixture of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a burst of color and a slightly nutty flavor to the fries. The Parmesan complements the salty richness of the pancetta and enhances the overall dish, creating a satisfying, crispy contrast to the tender mussels.

Bringing It All Together: The Perfect Presentation

To serve, place the steamed mussels in shallow bowls, spooning the delicious broth over them. Crispy pancetta is sprinkled on top of the mussels, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. The Parmesan fries are served alongside, completing the dish with their crispy, cheesy goodness. The dish is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions, with its combination of creamy broth, tender mussels, and crispy fries.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Moules Frites (including mussels and fries) contains approximately 495 calories. This makes it a satisfying yet relatively light meal, perfect for a special dinner. The dish provides 27g of protein, largely from the mussels, making it a great source of lean protein. With 60g of carbohydrates, primarily from the fries, the dish also offers a good amount of energy.

In terms of fat, the dish contains 20g of fat, including 8g of saturated fat, which comes from the pancetta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. While the dish has a moderate amount of fat, it is balanced by the healthy protein and fiber from the mussels and the addition of fresh parsley on the fries.

The sodium content is 890mg, primarily from the pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and broth, so it’s a good idea to adjust the salt levels to your taste as you cook. Additionally, the mussels provide 540mg of potassium, which is important for maintaining proper heart and muscle function. With 5g of fiber and 7g of sugar, the dish is a well-rounded, flavorful option that can be enjoyed as a hearty meal without compromising on flavor or texture.

Conclusion: A Classic French Dish, Made Easy

Moules Frites (Mussels in White Wine and Pancetta) is a classic French dish that is simple to prepare and packed with rich flavors. The combination of tender mussels, crispy pancetta, and a flavorful white wine broth creates an indulgent, satisfying meal. Paired with crispy fries, tossed in Parmesan and parsley, it’s a complete dish that will transport you straight to the heart of France with every bite. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or just craving a delicious seafood meal at home. The easy preparation and impressive presentation make this dish a true winner in both taste and convenience.