Moules-frites

''Moules-frites'' or ''moules et frites'' (]; nl, mosselen-friet) is a main dish of mussels and French fries originating in Belgium. The title of the dish is French, ''moules'' meaning mussels and ''frites'' fries, with the Dutch name for the dish meaning the same. It is considered the national dish of Belgium.

Background

Although ''moules-frites'' are popular in many countries, it is thought that the dish originated in Belgium. It is likely that it was originally created by combining mussels, a popular and cheap foodstuff eaten around the Flemish coast, and fried potatoes which were commonly eaten around the country in winter when no fish or other food was available.

In both Belgium and France, ''moules-frites'' are available in most restaurants, depending on season. According to a survey conducted by TNS, ''moules-frites'' was identified as the second favourite dish in France, receiving a vote of 20 per cent, narrowly losing to '' magret de canard'' which received 21 per cent.

On average, between 25 and 30 tonnes of mussels are consumed each year in Belgium as ''moules-frites''. Much of the mussels consumed in Belgium come from mussel farms in nearby Zeeland in the Netherlands.

Variants and preparation

''Moules''

The ways in which the mussels are cooked in the dish can vary significantly. Some common variants include:
*''Moules marinière'': Probably the most common and internationally recognisable recipe, ''moules marinière'' includes white wine, shallots, parsley, and butter.
*''Moules nature'': The mussels are steamed with celery, leeks, and butter.
*''Moules à la crème'': Another common recipe, thickened with flour and cream.
*''Moules parquées'': A dish, probably originating in Brussels, of raw mussels on the half-shell, served with a lemon-mustard-sauce.
*''Moules à la bière'': Mussels cooked in a sauce containing beer instead of white wine.
*''Moules à l'ail'': Mussels cooked with sliced or minced garlic.

Less commonly, fusion variants are seen in which the stock may be flavoured with non-local ingredients such as Espelette pepper or Pernod liquor. They can also be served with "''Mosselsaus''", a sauce that is made with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar.

''Frites''

In various forms, ''frites'' or ''friet'' play an important role in Belgian culture and cuisine. Within Belgium, bintje potatoes are generally preferred as a basis to make fries because of their high starch content. They are generally double-fried (fried, left to cool and then fried again) in order to make them both moist in the core and crispy on the outside.

Presentation

As a dish, the ''moules'' and the ''frites'' are usually served separately, to avoid the fries becoming soggy in the sauce. Often, the moules are served in the pan used to cook them. A second dish is generally provided for the discarded mussel shells.

Consumption

Mussels and French fries are served everywhere in Belgium, from the Belgian coast to the bottom of the Ardennes. In France, the dish is common in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It is the typical dish of the braderie of Lille. In 2009, five hundred tons of mussels and thirty tons of fries were consumed during this event. During this weekend, restaurant owners pile up the mussels eaten in front of their establishments; most of the time, the restaurant Aux moules (rue de Béthune) and La Chicorée (place Rihour) have the largest quantities.

In 2008, TNS Sofres carried out a survey among the people of the North. Mussels and French fries came in second place with 25%. The dish is outstripped by steak frites which gets 33%. In France, according to the same TNS-Sofres poll, moules-frites are in second place among the favorite dishes of the French with 20%. It is one point ahead of duck breast.

The dish can be consumed with an abbey lager. or a dry white wine;. red wine should be avoided because of its tannins. As for sauces, in addition to the marinière sauce that already accompanies the mussels, it is possible to add mayonnaise with the fries.. Mussels and fries are also the specialty of the Belgian restaurant chain Chez Léon..

See also

* Fish and chips
* List of seafood dishes

References

Bibliography

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Further reading

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External links

{{Commons category, position=left

French cuisine
Belgian cuisine
Seafood dishes
National dishes