Red Curry Mussels
For a quick seafood dinner, mussels are hard to beat, as they cook in minutes. This dish is fragrant with Thai red curry paste, sold in small jars at most markets. The mussel broth mingles with the curry during cooking to make a luscious sauce. Serve with crusty bread to sop up all of the liquid.
MAKES 4 MAIN-DISH SERVINGS or 6-8 APPETIZERS
1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled (see note)
2 Tbsp canola oil
3 Tbsp finely chopped shallots
2 Tbsp peeled and chopped lemongrass (white part only)
1 Tbsp peeled and chopped fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp red curry paste
1 Tbsp Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce
1 Tbsp light brown sugar
1 two-oz. can coconut milk (not cream of coconut)
4 lb. cultivated mussels, well rinsed
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 cup finely sliced green onions, green and white parts, for garnish
4 pieces sourdough or Cuban bread, for serving