Rick Stein’s la mouclade

Method

1. Put the saffron in a small bowl and wet it with 1 tbsp warm water. Put the mussels and wine in a large pan, cover and cook over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan now and then, until the mussels have opened.
2. Tip the mussels into a colander set over a bowl to catch all the cooking liquid (discard any that remain closed). Transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl and keep warm.
3. Melt the butter in a pan, add the onion, garlic and curry powder, then cook gently without browning for 2-3 minutes. Add the cognac and cook until it has almost all evaporated, then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the saffron liquid and all except the last 1-2 tbsp of the reserved mussel cooking liquid (which may contain some grit or sand).
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the crème fraîche and simmer for a further 3 minutes or until slightly reduced. Taste and season, stir in the parsley, then pour the sauce over the mussels. Serve with plenty of crusty French bread.