Mussels are a delicious, healthy, and affordable seafood option that can be enjoyed and cooked in various ways.
One of the most delicate things about mussels is that they pair well with a wide range of vegetables, making them a perfect option for incorporating more veggies into your diet.
Not sure which veggies to serve with your mussels? Here are some of our favorite vegetables that go well with mussels.
12 Ideal Vegetables Go well with Mussels
1. Potatoes are the best pair for Mussels
Mussels and potatoes are a classic combination. Whether boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried, potatoes are a delicious accompaniment to mussels.
Roasted potatoes are a perfect option, as their crispy exterior contrasts nicely with the softness of the mussels.
Any type of potato can be used, but Yukon gold potatoes are usually the best choice.
2. Carrots
Carrots are a great way to add sweetness, crunch, and color to any dish, and they pair particularly well with mussels.
You can use either fresh or frozen carrots. If you’re using fresh carrots, you need to peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
I recommend grating or julienning carrots and adding them to your mussel dish raw, so they retain their crunch.
If you prefer a softer carrot, you could also roast or steam them before adding them to the dish.
3. Fennel- A Perfect Complement to Mussels
Fennel has a delicate anise flavor that pairs well with most seafood. Just thinly slice and add to the pot along with the mussels, or it can be shaved and used as a garnish after cooking.
Raw fennel will soften as it cooks, so if you prefer a crunchier vegetable, I recommend blanching it briefly before adding it to the pot.
4. Celery
Celery adds a refreshing crunch and mild flavor to seafood dishes. It pairs especially well with shellfish like lobsters, crabs, and mussels!
I suggest dicing celery finely, so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.
5. Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with almost anything. Its bland taste means it won’t overpower other flavors in the dish. However, it still adds some extra nutrients, vitamins, and fiber.
For mussels, I like slicing zucchini into thin strips or rounds so it can soak up all the delicious broth.
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6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent choice to pair with mussels. Not only do they add a lovely sweetness, but The acidity of tomatoes also helps cut through the mussels’ richness.
Their bright red color also makes for a visually appealing plate. You can use fresh tomatoes or opt for canned diced tomatoes if you’re in a pinch.
They can be used in a sauce, salsa, or ratatouille or simply sliced and served as a garnish.
7. Garlic
Garlic is another classic partner for mussels. It adds a lot of flavor without being too overwhelming. You can either use fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder.
Added to a tomato-based sauce or minced and sprinkled over the top of the finished dish.
8. Onion
Like garlic, onions can be used in various ways when cooking mussels. They add a nice sweetness and crunch. You can use any type of onion, but red onions are the best choice.
Just sautéed and added to the pot, used to flavor the cooking liquid, or chopped and sprinkled over the top of the finished dish.
9. Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great way to add some bitterness and crunch to your meal. The key to making them is to roast them until they are golden brown.
You can do this by drizzling them with olive oil and sea salt before putting them in the cookstove at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes.
10. Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a healthy option that provides a nice contrast to the richness of the mussels. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
To steam broccoli, put it in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-5 minutes until it is bright green and tender.
11. Bell peppers
Sweet bell peppers are another excellent choice for serving with mussels. They can be finely diced and added to the pot, used to flavor the cooking liquid, or served as a garnish.
12. Parsley
Parsley is usually utilized as a garnish for mussel dishes. It adds color and freshness. You can use either fresh or dried parsley.
5 Best bread to serve with mussels
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of steamed mussels, and the right bread can make all the difference. Here are five of our favorite bread to serve with mussels:
1. Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the briny taste of mussels. It’s also toothsome enough to hold up to the sauce but not so dense that it overpowers the delicate seafood.
2. Pumpernickel bread
Pumpernickel bread has a deep, earthy flavor that pairs well with the umami-rich taste of mussels. It’s also firm enough to stand up to the sauce but not so chewy that it overpowers the delicate seafood.
3. Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat bread has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the slightly sweet taste of mussels. It’s also sturdy enough to support the sauce but not so dense that it overpowers the delicate seafood.
4. Baguette
This classic French bread has a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior that pairs well with the tenderness of the mussels.
5. Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta bread can also be a good option. The large, open crumb of the ciabatta soaks up the flavorful broth, and the crusty texture contrasts nicely with the tenderness of the mussels.
Whichever bread you choose, make sure it is fresh, so it doesn’t overshadow the delicate flavor of the mussels.
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FAQs
What goes with garlic mussels?
One of the most popular methods is simply baking the mussels in a garlic-infused broth. This creates a delicious and healthy meal that can be served with various sides.
Some of the most common accompaniments for garlic mussels include rice, potatoes, and vegetables.
One is a sturdy, crusty bread and cheese before baking them to sop up all the delicious broth. This gives the dish a rich and flavorful crust that will please any diner.
What goes with mussels as the main course?
Mussels are a delicious and relatively inexpensive seafood option that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.
For a light summer meal, try grilling mussels with shrimp and scallops. Simply toss the seafood on the grill with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, and season to taste.
Serve over a bed of fresh greens for a nutritious and tasty meal.
If you’re looking for something heartier, mussels carbonara is a perfect option. This rich and creamy dish pairs perfectly with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.
What is the best white wine to cook mussels in?
When choosing a wine to cook mussels, white wine is always a good choice.
A dry white wine will help to bring out the natural flavors of the mussels, and it will also prevent the dish from becoming too heavy.
A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be a good choice for cooking mussels. Another option is to use a white wine that is slightly sweet, such as a Riesling or Moscato.
You can also try using a fruity white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Whatever type of white wine you choose, make sure that it is of good quality so that your dish will be flavorful and enjoyable.
