Mussels, cleaned and de-bearded • thumb ginger, sliced • garlic, peeled and smashed • large red onion • Spinach leaves • chili leaves (optional) or add a whole long green chili • water • Lemon Lime Soda (sugar-free Sprite or 7-up) • patis or thai fish (liquid) sauce or use salt(to taste) • coarse ground Peppercorns • fish bouillon or broth cube • Oil or butter