If you've previously thought mussels were too tricky to cook at home, this Mussels with Tomato and Garlic recipe will prove to you that it's totally achievable – in less than 30 minutes! This elegant dish is ideal for entertaining, with mussels cooked in a light tomato sauce flavoured with garlic, chilli and wine. Serve with crusty bread or fries with some aioli on the side.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
2tbspolive oil
2garlic cloves, finely chopped
400gcanned crushed tomatoes
Mussels
1kgbag of black live mussels, scrubbed and bearded (see note 1)
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomato, place the lid on and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
To cook the mussels:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the mussels, wine and chilli. Cook for 2 minutes so that the wine can reduce.
Place the lid on and cook for a further 2 minutes. Once the mussels start to open, transfer them to the tomato sauce.
Turn the heat off. Add a ladle of the mussel/wine broth to the tomato sauce. Season to taste (the salt may not be required at all).
Serve with crusty bread, fries and aioli.
Notes
Note 1 – Prepare the mussels by rinsing them in cold water. Use a clean kitchen scourer to scrub the shells and remove any debris, if needed, gently. Remove the stringy beards hanging out of the mussels, and use your fingers to pull them out.MAKE AHEADThe tomato sauce can be prepared and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop before using as per the recipe. LEFTOVERSMussels are best made and consumed immediately as they become chewy and unpleasant when reheated.
Nutrition Facts
Mussels with Tomato and Garlic
Amount per Serving
Calories
710
% Daily Value*
Fat
44
g
68
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
29
g
Cholesterol
71
mg
24
%
Sodium
1025
mg
45
%
Potassium
1379
mg
39
%
Carbohydrates
25
g
8
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
7
g
8
%
Protein
33
g
66
%
Vitamin A
857
IU
17
%
Vitamin C
73
mg
88
%
Calcium
154
mg
15
%
Iron
13
mg
72
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.