Enamel Mussel Pot Blue 2.5 Litre

This is cookware and serving dish in one. White wine, shallots, garlic and parsley go in, mussels on top, lid on – a few minutes later the shells have opened. The pot is deep enough for the mussels to steam through without anything boiling over. Nothing needs decanting afterwards: the pot goes to the table exactly as it is and everyone helps themselves from the middle.

The clever part is the lid. It has handles of its own, sits upside down on the table without wobbling and takes the empty shells. Anyone who has eaten mussels knows the problem: there is never a bowl for the shells. Here it is already part of the pot – one vessel for cooking, one for the shells, nothing else needed.

The body is steel with an enamel coating, the same build you find in professional kitchens. Enamel takes on no odours, copes easily with the acidity of white wine, lemon or tomatoes and wipes clean. The top edge is finished with a stainless steel ring that protects the rim from knocks. The dark interior does not show broth and herbs straight away – handy while the pot stands on the table.

At 2.5 litres the pot holds a classic portion of mussels for one hungry person, or a shared starter for two. The pot measures roughly 20 cm across and 12 cm high, the lid 19 cm by 7 cm, so it fits any normal burner and any cupboard. The manufacturer lists it as suitable for gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and radiant ring hobs; induction is not stated. After dinner it goes in the dishwasher.

Once the pot lives in your kitchen it finds other jobs. Clams with spaghetti, prawns in garlic oil, a small portion of soup, roast potatoes, ratatouille, pasta for two – anything that wants to be served hot and look good on the table. Cold, it works as a serving bowl for chips, bread or salad in the garden. And on an open shelf it is far too handsome to put away.

• Enamelled steel in blue with white «Moules» lettering
• Capacity 2.5 litres
• Pot approx. 20 cm diameter, 12 cm high; lid approx. 19 cm by 7 cm
• Lid with handles, inverted as a bowl for empty shells
• Two side handles on both pot and lid
• Top edge finished with a stainless steel ring
• Suitable for gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and radiant ring hobs
• Dishwasher safe
• 12 month manufacturer guarantee

• Rinse the mussels in cold water before cooking and discard any that will not close. After cooking, discard any that stayed shut.
• The broth makes the dish: a glass of dry white wine, shallots, garlic, a bay leaf, then parsley and a knob of butter at the end.
• Put the lid on the table early so it serves as the shell bowl from the first mussel – that keeps the table clear.
• Baguette belongs with it, for mopping up the broth. Slice it before you sit down.
• Enamel dislikes wire wool. Soak anything baked on and lift it off with a soft sponge.

How many people does the pot serve? 2.5 litres is a generous portion of mussels for one, or a starter for two. For a main course for two, a second pot is worth having.

Is the pot induction compatible? The manufacturer lists gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and radiant ring hobs. Induction is not stated – if you cook on induction, test the base with a magnet before the first use.

Can it go in the dishwasher? Yes. Washing by hand is gentler if you want to keep the gloss.

What does «Moules» mean? «Moules» is French for mussels and a classic on brasserie tableware. It turns a cooking pot into a serving dish with character.

Does enamel rust? The enamel layer itself does not rust. Dry the pot after washing and avoid hard knocks so the coating stays intact.