Mussels With Pesto and Tomatoes

chia's Note:

yet another quick easy recipe for mussels, this serves 4 as a main dish, or 8 as an appetizer. this one is from food and wine.

• Total Time: 29 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups basil leaves (from one 2-ounce bunch)
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 5 garlic cloves , 1 whole 4 thinly sliced
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
• 1 cup grape tomatoes , halved
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3 large shallots , thinly sliced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 5 lbs mussels , scrubbed and debearded
• crusty bread , for serving

Directions:

1. In a mini food processor, combine the basil, walnuts and whole garlic clove and pulse until fine.
2. add the Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of the oil and process until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a medium bowl and add the butter.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a very large, deep skillet or large soup pot, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil until shimmering. Add the shallots and sliced garlic and cook over high heat, stirring, until lightly golden, about 4 minutes.
5. Add the white wine and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
6. Add the mussels and stir for 1 minute. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the mussels have opened, about 6 minutes.
7. Add the pesto and tomatoes and stir until the butter is thoroughly melted and the mussels are evenly coated. Transfer the mussels and broth to bowls and serve with crusty bread.

Reviews

[Chef #1310702]

I made this last night and it was AWESOME. I substituted pine nuts for the walnuts and only used about 1tsp of butter! It was amazing!

[Chef #224633]

Whala! My family couldn't believe I cooked this. It's so simple to cook, yet it's absolutely delicious. The mussels are succulent and juicy when soaked in the wine. And, the broth.. the broth is the best!

[FlemishMinx]

What's not to love? My dh and I adored this preparation. The most difficult part is cleaning and debearding the mussels :( I'll certainly be making this again. And you are so right, don't forget the bread for sopping up the lovely broth. Thanks for posting!