Hey everyone, it’s Anne from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I want to share my favorite Mussels Marinara Recipe with you. This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of warm summer evenings spent with family and friends.
What I love about this recipe is how simple yet impressive it is. The rich tomato sauce, paired with tender mussels, creates a meal that’s both comforting and a bit fancy. Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked mussels before – they’re easier to prepare than you might think.
So, grab a loaf of crusty bread and a bottle of white wine, and let’s dive into this delicious seafood dish together. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy (One Pan): These sautéed mussels in red sauce come together in about 30 minutes. The technique is simple to master, making it a go-to for appetizers and dinners.
- Versatile: While zuppa di mussels in marinara is a favorite, the same cooking method can be adapted to various flavor profiles. Try French mussels meuniere with shallots and cream, Thai-inspired mussels with coconut milk, ginger, and lemongrass, or Provençal-style mussels with saffron and fennel. Master this technique, and you can create a variety of delicious dishes.
- Inexpensive and Restaurant-Worthy: Despite being easy to prepare, this dish is impressive and flavorful. Mussels are relatively inexpensive compared to other seafood, making this recipe a treat that won’t break the bank.
Mussels Marinara Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Colander
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 pounds mussels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28- ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried basil until fragrant.
- Add the petite diced tomatoes and white wine to the pot, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Drop in the cleaned mussels.
- Cover the pot and steam the mussels for 5-7 minutes, or until they have fully opened.
- Discard any mussels that remain unopened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Tips You Must Try!
- Thorough Cleaning: Give those mussels a good scrub, even if they’re cultivated. Look for beards (the fibrous strands) and remove them with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. A little prep goes a long way in ensuring your dish is top-notch.
- Perfect Timing: Mussels don’t need much time to cook. They usually open up within 5-6 minutes over moderate heat. Any that stay closed are likely dead and should be discarded. It’s a small detail that ensures the best flavor and safety.
- Serve Immediately: Mussels are best enjoyed fresh. Reheating seafood, especially in the microwave, can compromise the texture and taste. If you must reheat, do it gently in a saucepan over low heat to preserve their delicate flavor.
James
Saturday 27th of July 2024
The recipe looks straightforward and easy to follow. Just a heads-up: mussels need to be cleaned thoroughly before cooking to ensure they're grit-free.
Jacqueline
Saturday 27th of July 2024
I just tried this Mussels Marinara recipe, and it was fantastic! The sauce had the perfect balance of flavors, and the mussels were tender. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!