Mussels with Tarragon Celery Vinaigrette

ingredients

• 2 pounds mussels (40, preferably cultivated), scrubbed well and beards removed
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 hard-boiled large eggs
• 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup pickled cocktail onions, trimmed and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
• Garnish: seaweed*

directions

Cook mussels in wine in a 4- to 1 1/2 gallons pot over moderately high heat, covered, until mussels just open wide, checking frequently after 4 minutes and transferring opened mussels to a large bowl using a slotted spoon. (Discard any unopened mussels after 8 minutes.)

Pour cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a 1- to 2 quarts heavy saucepan and boil until reduced to about 3 tablespoons, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Finely chop eggs, then add to reduced liquid along with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking, then whisk in celery, onions, and tarragon. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

Remove mussels from shells and reserve 1/2 shell from each mussel. Stir mussels (but not shells) into vinaigrette and marinate, covered and chilled, at least 1 hour. Rinse and dry reserved mussel shells, then chill in a sealed plastic bag until ready to use.

Arrange shells on a large platter lined with seaweed and spoon a mussel with some vinaigrette into each.

Cooks' note:

Mussels can be marinated up to 1 day.

*Available at seafood shops by special request.