1. Thai Green Curry & Mussels

    I was doing some searching for a meal to entertain a guest last week and I stumbled across Raymond Blanc’s recipe for Thai Green Curry with Mussels & thought it would be great acompanided by Nick Nairn’s recipe for sticky coconut rice. The meal was absolutely fantastic, filled with classic Thai flaviours, creamy coconut rice & extra tastey mussels. I would definately recommend this to anyone without a shadow of a doubt. Ingredients for Sticky coconut rice [serves 4]

    • 170g/6oz creamed coconut
    • 220g/8oz basmati rice
    • 500ml/17fl oz hot water

    To Serve

    • garnish with fresh coriander leaves

    Ingredients for Thai green curry with mussels [serves 4] For the curry paste

    • 1in lemongrass stalk, finely chopped
    • 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
    • 1 lime, juice only
    • 1 red chilli, seeds removed and finely chopped, preferably snub nose or Rio Grande varieties are ideal
    • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
    • ½ garlic clove, finely chopped (optional)
    • 10g/½oz fresh coriander, leaves and stalks, finely chopped

    For the mussels

    • 1.6kg/3lb 8oz mussels
    • 100ml/4fl oz dry white wine
    • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
    • 100ml/4fl oz coconut milk
    • 20g/1oz fresh coriander, roughly chopped

    Preparation method for Sticky Coconut rice Place the creamed coconut, rice and hot water into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally and adding any extra water if necessary. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl or serving plate to serve. Garnish with coriander. Preparation method for Thai green curry with mussels For the curry paste, grind all the ingredients except the coriander with a large stone or granite pestle and mortar. Add the coriander stalks and leaves and continue grinding until you have a smooth paste. Store in the fridge covered with cling film or in an airtight jar if you are not going to use the paste immediately. Wash the mussels under cold running water in a sink, removing any beards and barnacles. Do not scrub the shells as the colour will transfer during cooking giving an unappetising grey colour to the curry. Discard any mussels that float or remain open when tapped, drain the remaining mussels and set them aside. Boil the wine in a small saucepan for 30 seconds to remove the bitter taste of the alcohol and leave only the fruity, acidic qualities of the wine. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside. Place a large, lidded saucepan on a high heat and add the butter, onion, curry paste and wine. Stir and cook with the lid on for one minute to soften the onion. Add the mussels, replace the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mussels open. Add the coconut milk and chopped coriander and stir. You will not need any seasoning as the mussels will release a little salt water when they open, which is just enough to season the dish perfectly. You could serve the mussels in a large warmed dish or four soup plates, or simply put the pot in the middle of the table for everybody to help themselves. The coconut rice was a perfect addition to help soak up the wonderful juices. Enjoy.