Ingredients

  • Curry Cream (makes about 1 quart)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons light olive oil
  • 3 cups yellow onions, minced
  • 4 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons jalapenos, minced (or to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons hot curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons sweet curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 pinch cayenne
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 quart heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce, to taste (Sriracha)
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to taste)
  • heaping 1/2 cup each parmigiano regianno and aged provolone cheese, grated
  • Mussels
  • 1 1/2 lbs mussels
  • 3 tablespoons light olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1/4 cup dry good quality white wine
  • 1 1/2 cups curry cream
  • 1 tablespoon assorted fresh herb, finely chopped, such as flat leaf parsley, chives, chervil, basil, thyme (avoid cilantro and rosemary as they may overpower the flavor of the other herbs)
  • crusty bread

Method

  • For the Cream:
  • Heat oil and butter in large saucepan and saute onions, ginger, garlic and jalapenos for about 3 minutes.
  • Season with spices and salt and pepper.
  • Add cream, simmer to reduce until sauce thickens, but is still silky and coats the back of a spoon, about 30-40 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, add sriracha, lime juice, and brown sugar and cheese.
  • Adjust seasonings generously to taste.
  • For the Mussels:
  • Place mussels in ice bath and stir. Discard mussels that do not close up tightly. Drain well.
  • Saute garlic, shallots, salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme in olive oil in large, shallow, non-reactive pot.
  • Add mussels, shake to combine with garlic and shallots, add the white wine, thyme sprigs, and season with Kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Cover and steam for about 3 minutes.
  • Pour off half of liquid (discard or save for other use) and add Curry Cream.
  • Simmer covered until mussels are completely open--shaking the pan occasionally. Discard any mussels that do not open.
  • Adjust seasonings generously to taste.
  • Finish with topped fresh herbs and serve with crusty bread for sopping.