Introduction
Steamed Mussels in Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful seafood dish that combines the briny sweetness of fresh mussels with a luscious tomato cream sauce. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting meal at home. With a blend of aromatic ingredients and a touch of creaminess, each bite is a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 pounds fresh mussels
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, diced
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
⅓ cup dry white wine
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mussels: Scrub and debeard the mussels under cold running water, discarding any that are cracked.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing constantly until well combined, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock and white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly reduced and the flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook Mussels: Add the mussels to the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the mussels have opened, stirring once, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
6. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, basil, and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Mussels
Scrub and debeard the mussels under cold running water, discarding any that are cracked.
Sauté Aromatics
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add Tomato Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing constantly until well combined, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Liquids
Pour in the chicken stock and white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly reduced and the flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Mussels
Add the mussels to the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the mussels have opened, stirring once, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
Finish the Sauce
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, basil, and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Freshness of Mussels
Ensure the mussels are fresh by checking for any cracks or broken shells before purchasing.
Variations
Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Leftover mussels can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time, but it’s best to consume them immediately after cooking for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine for a delightful meal experience.
Cook techniques
Preparing Mussels
Scrubbing and debearding mussels is essential for cleanliness and safety.
Sautéing Aromatics
Cooking garlic, shallots, and spices in butter enhances the flavor base for the sauce.
Incorporating Tomato Sauce
Mixing tomato sauce into the sautéed aromatics ensures a balanced flavor profile.
Simmering the Mixture
Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances the melding of flavors while reducing excess liquid.
Cooking Mussels
Cover the pot to trap steam, ensuring mussels cook evenly and open properly.
Finishing the Sauce
Incorporating cream and fresh herbs at the end brightens the sauce and adds richness.
Serving the Dish
Accompany the mussels with crusty bread for a perfect pairing that complements the sauce.
FAQ
How do I know if the mussels are fresh?
Fresh mussels should have a clean sea smell and should close when tapped.
Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for optimal results.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use an equal amount of chicken stock or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and add the mussels just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover mussels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
Steamed Mussels in Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the briny flavors of fresh mussels with a rich and tangy sauce. The combination of tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices creates a wonderful depth of flavor that is perfect for any seafood lover. Accompanied by crusty bread, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also makes for an impressive meal that can be shared with friends and family.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
A quick and easy alternative, garlic butter shrimp can be prepared similarly by sautéing shrimp in garlic, butter, and fresh herbs for a delicious, flavorful dish.
Linguine with Clam Sauce
This pasta dish pairs well with a white wine and garlic clam sauce, providing a comforting option that highlights the sweetness of clams.
Spicy Crab Pasta
A creamy pasta dish featuring lump crabmeat, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce for an extra kick, combines the richness of seafood with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Seafood Paella
A traditional Spanish dish, paella incorporates a variety of seafood, rice, and vibrant spices, making it a festive option for gatherings or special occasions.
Grilled Octopus Salad
For a lighter option, try a salad featuring tender grilled octopus, fresh greens, and a citrus vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to richer seafood dishes.
