1.Melt the butter in a saucepan large enough to hold the mussels. Add the leeks, fennel and garlic and fry gently for 5 minutes.

2.Add the stock and bring to a boil, then cover and cook gently for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the Pernod or other liqueur and bring back to a boil.

3.Add the mussels to the pan, cover tightly again and cook over a medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the shells open, shaking the pan occasionally. Discard any unopened mussels.

4.Carefully pour the cooking liquid into a small pan and set the covered pan of mussels aside. Stir the cream and chopped parsley into the cooking liquid and heat gently, without boiling. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Tip the mussels and vegetables into a large, warmed dish or tureen and pour over the sauce. Serve at once.

Cook’s tip• To clean mussels, scrub them well using a small, stiff brush under cold running water, to remove any grit, sand and barnacles. Pull off and discard the hairy “beard” protruding from the side of the shells. Sharply tap any open mussels with the back of a knife, and discard any that don’t close. Rinse and drain the mussels once again before use.

Variation• Instead of Pernod, use Greek ouzo or dry white wine.

Serves 4

Preparation time 35 minutes

Cooking time 25 minutes

Each serving

15 g protein • 10.5 g fat of which 6 g saturates • 19 g carbohydrate • 3 g fibre • 285 Calories