mussels in tomato sauce -

mussels in tomato sauce

Mussels in tomato sauce, a Mediterranean delight. Juicy seafood with rich tomatoes—a light, quick dish bursting with freshness.

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Total Time 41

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 230

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 kg fresh mussels cleaned and bearded
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 clove garlic thinly sliced
1 small onion finely chopped
400 gm canned crushed tomatoes or fresh, diced
0.5 cup dry white wine
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes optional
0.5 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Method

Scrub and debeard the mussels under cold water. Discard any mussels with broken shells or that remain open after a gentle tap.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the chili flakes (if using) and quickly add the crushed tomatoes. Cook, stirring, for another 4-5 minutes.
Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add the mussels to the pot. Cover with a lid and let them steam for 8-10 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until most shells open. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the cooked mussels. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Notes

Mussels in tomato sauce is a classic Mediterranean dish celebrated for its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and incredible versatility. Whether you're preparing an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course, this recipe brings a taste of the sea right to your table with minimal fuss.

Practical Tips for Perfect Mussels

Select only the freshest mussels: Look for tightly closed shells and a clean, briny aroma. If any mussels remain open after a gentle tap, discard them for safety.

Clean thoroughly: Scrub and debeard your mussels under running cold water just before cooking. Avoid doing this too far in advance, as mussels are best cooked shortly after cleaning.

Enhance the tomato sauce: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for convenience, or opt for ripe, fresh tomatoes when in season for a brighter taste. For deeper flavor, add a splash of fish stock or toss in a bay leaf during simmering.

Don’t overcook: Once the mussels open, they're ready. Prolonged cooking can toughen the meat. Remember to discard any shells that stay closed after steaming.

Preparation Technique Insights

A heavy-bottomed pot provides even heat, helping the mussels cook uniformly and preventing the tomato sauce from sticking. Layering flavors by sautéing onions and garlic until golden maximizes aroma and depth.

If serving to a crowd, keep mussels warm in their cooking pot, covered, over very low heat for a few minutes before transferring to a serving dish.

Serving & Creative Variations

Enjoy mussels in tomato sauce with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices, or serve them atop linguine for a complete seafood pasta meal. For a spicy kick, add extra chili flakes, or mix in fresh basil at the end for an herbal note.

For a twist, swap white wine for dry vermouth, or enrich the sauce with a handful of chopped olives. Mussels also pair wonderfully with a light green salad and chilled white wine, making for a refreshing, coastal-inspired dining experience.