Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Mussels with Leeks, Saffron and Cream

By Janet Fletcher

4.4

(17)

Serve this flavorful saffron-scented dish as either an appetizer or a main course.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 main course servings or 8 appetizer servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
4 dozen mussels, scrubbed, debearded
1 cup dry white wine
8 fresh parsley sprigs
10 saffron threads, crushed
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Melt butter in heavy large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and sauté until tender, about 8 minutes.

    Step 2

    Combine mussels, wine and parsley sprigs in large Dutch oven. Cover and cook over high heat until mussels open, about 6 minutes. Using tongs, transfer mussels to large bowl, discarding any that do not open. Strain mussel juices into skillet containing leeks. Add saffron and cream to skillet; boil until reduced to sauce consistency, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Add mussels and any accumulated juices to skillet. Stir over medium heat until heated through, about 2 minutes. divide mussels among 4 bowls; pour sauce over.

TagsWhite WineWineAlcoholBeveragesMediterraneanMusselShellfishSeafoodLeekRoot VegetableVegetableParsleyHerbs & SpicesSaffronMainStarterDinnerBrunchGluten FreeNut FreeKetoEasyQuickSimmerDutch OvenBon Appétit
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in March
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
One-Pan Herbed Chicken and Biscuits
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
31 Easter Desserts, Each One Better Than a Chocolate Egg
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.