Description
This classic steamed mussels recipe features fresh mussels cooked in a flavorful broth of white wine, butter, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light main course, served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steamed Mussels
- 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (brown, yellow, or white)
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 1 kg / 2 lbs mussels, bearded and scrubbed
- 1 cup (250ml) dry white wine
- 2 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Aromatics: Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and onion, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Wine and Boil: Turn the heat to high, pour in the dry white wine, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the harsh alcoholic smell.
- Add Tomatoes and Mussels: Stir in the deseeded and diced tomatoes. Add the cleaned mussels and stir gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Steam Mussels: Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-high. Cook the mussels for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the pot once or twice during cooking to ensure even steaming. The mussels are done when they have opened.
- Finish and Season: Toss the cooked mussels with the roughly chopped parsley. Season carefully with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that mussels can be naturally salty.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Ensure mussels are properly cleaned and bearded before cooking to avoid grit and sand.
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if out of season, but fresh is preferred.
- Adjust seasoning carefully because mussels carry inherent saltiness.
- Use a dry white wine with good acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: steamed mussels, mussels recipe, seafood, white wine mussels, easy seafood dish, classic French mussels, dinner appetizer
