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Introduction
If you're looking for an appetizer or a main dish that wows with bold flavors, this Mussels, Shrimp, and Blue Cheese Gratin is a must-try. Combining the briny goodness of seafood with the creamy, tangy richness of blue cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a show-stopper whether you're entertaining guests or treating yourself to a fancy meal at home.
Ingredients
Seafood:
1 pound (450g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
½ pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
½ cup (120ml) white wine
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
½ cup (100g) crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the topping:
½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Prepare the mussels and shrimp:
Rinse the mussels under cold water and discard any that remain open after tapping.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mussels and pour in the white wine. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the mussels open. Remove the mussels from their shells (reserve a few for garnish if desired). Set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink. Set aside.
Make the sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter and add garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and add blue cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
Assemble the gratin:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the cooked mussels and shrimp in a baking dish. Pour the blue cheese sauce over the seafood.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the dish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal. A crisp green salad pairs beautifully with the dish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
Variations
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