Mussels Italiano

Submitted by CountryLady

"This is another recipe from my Italian sister in law. Its good with Italian crusty bread to mop up the broth. Prep time includes soaking. Based on some queries from other chefs, I'm expanding the directions to include more information about buying, storing and cleaning mussels."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 lbs mussels
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons onions, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small tomatoes, chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon oregano
• salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1⁄4 cup dry white wine

directions

1. When you bring your mussels home from the market, discard any that are chipped, broken or otherwise damaged; discard any mussel that is open.
2. If you are not using right away, cover with damp paper towels in a container that can be tightly closed and store in the refrigerator.
3. Just before cooking, wash the mussels in several changes of cold water.
4. Using a small knife or a dry towel, remove the beards by pulling out towards the hinged side of the mussel.
5. To remove any remaining sand, soak mussels for about 30 minutes in cold water containing a handful of salt and a handful of flour.
6. Take each mussel from the bowl and using a firm brush, remove any barnacles before placing into another bowl of clear water.
7. Melt butter in a medium sized pot; saute onions til clear.
8. Add garlic& stir for another minute.
9. Add tomato, oregano, salt& pepper and cook until tomato is soft.
10. Add wine& bring to a slow boil.
11. Dry the mussels with a clean towel, place into pot, cover & steam for 4 minutes; remove the lid & stir the mussels.
12. At this point, most of the mussels should be open; replace the lid and steam for another 2 - 4 minutes.
13. Discard any that don't open.
14. Divide into serving bowls& cover with broth.
15. If you increase the serving size for this recipe, don't add too many mussels to the pot at once or stack them on top of each other as it will make it difficult for the mussels to open due to the weight.

Reviews

[Raichka]

My husband and I frequently order mussels when dining out, but I'd never tried cooking them myself. I was a little intimidated, but your step-by-step instructions made preparing them a breeze. The cooking time was quick, and the results were amazing. The broth was delicious, and the mussels were cooked perfectly. Thanks for sharing this recipe! I'm adding this recipe to my "impress the guests" list!

 

[Gerald Sexton]

Very quick and easy, with charming flavors. This is now a staple when I want to cook fresh mussels for friends!

 

[Nes5601]

Restaurant quality dish. Absolutely love it.

 

[ipuccapi]

Great, quick and simple recipe! Husband and I love it for it's simplicity and taste and use this recipe when we want something that is not too complex. Thanks for sharing!

 

[gwynn]

This is a very good recipe. It is so quick and easy. It is nice enough to serve company. Thanks for posting.