STEAMED MUSSELS WITH LIME & CILANTRO

Steps:

• Rinse the mussels in a colander under cold water, scrub the shells throughly, remove the tough, wiry beards and discard any mussels with broken or gaping shells.
• While the mussels drain, heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Add carrot and jalapeno; saute, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown, about 2 minutes.
• Add the garlic and 1/2 tsp of the lime zest and saute until fragrant, 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and raise the heat to high.
• As soon as the wine boils, add the mussels and cover the pot. Steam the mussels, shaking the pot once or twice, until the shells open, 5 - 6 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat. With a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large bowl and keep warm.
• Return the pot with the cooking liquid to the heat add the cream, boil until the sauce reduces just a bit, 2 - 3 minutes.
• Add 1-1/2 T of the lime juice, the cilantro and chili sauce, if using.
• Taste and add more lime juice and salt if needed.
• Ladle the mussels into wide, shallow bowls, pour some of the sauce over each portion and serve immediately.