Steamed Mussels with Fresh Lemon Dressing

2kg fresh blue mussels
4 shallots, finely chopped
1 tblspn Italian parsley
1 bay leaf
1 tspn thyme
1 cup white wine
Freshly ground black pepper

Lemon dressing
Juice of 2 lemons
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tblspn Italian parsley
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup olive oil

Rinse clean the mussels and pull out the beard. Place mussels into wide, heavy pan with shallots, herbs, pepper and wine. Cover and cook for approximately 5 – 7 minutes, gently shaking the pan now and again.

Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Slowly add oil and whisk sauce to thicken. Arrange mussels evenly on serving plates, with little bowls of the dressing for dipping mussels in. Serve with crusty bread.

Serves 4 – 6