Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Mussels in tomato sauce is a classic dish that combines the briny sweetness of fresh mussels with the rich, tangy flavour of a tomato-based sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make mussels in tomato sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Fresh mussels

olive oil

Onion

Garlic cloves

Canned chopped tomatoes

Tomato paste/puree

Sugar

Dried oregano

Dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley

Start by cleaning the mussels thoroughly under cold water, removing any beards and discarding any that are open and do not close when tapped. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Next, pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add the sugar, oregano, and basil, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Once the sauce is ready, increase the heat to medium-high and add the mussels to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Wine Pairing and Side Dishes

For wine pairing, a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully. The acidity and fruity notes of these wines enhance the flavours of the tomato sauce without overpowering the delicate taste of the mussels.

For side dishes, consider serving crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Also a fresh baguette (recipe on this site) is a perfect recipe to mop up the sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic butter spaghetti can also make a delightful accompaniment, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.

Mussels in tomato sauce is a versatile and flavourful dish that can turn any meal into a beautiful delight. Enjoy!

Mussels in Tomato Sauce

Mussels in tomato sauce is a quick, flavourful dish combining fresh mussels with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for any occasion.

4.83 from 56 votes

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Herbs, Mussels, Mussels in Tomato Sauce, Tomato Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 216kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 1 kg fresh mussels
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 400 g chopped tomatoes canned
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1/4 bunch fresh parsley chopped

Get ingredients with

Instructions

• Clean the mussels thoroughly under cold water, removing any beards and discarding any that are open and do not close when tapped.
  1 kg fresh mussels
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
• Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
  400 g chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Add the sugar, oregano, and basil, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
  1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, salt, pepper
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add the mussels to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until the mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  1/4 bunch fresh parsley

Notes

Wine Pairing and Side Dishes:

– Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the dish.
– Side Dishes: Consider crusty bread or a fresh baguette to soak up the sauce, and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or garlic butter spaghetti for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 730mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 693IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 7mg