Savory Mussels in Herb-Infused Tomato Broth
Indulge in a delightful dish that combines the briny sweetness of fresh mussels with the aromatic flavors of tarragon and a zesty tomato broth. This elegant and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for hosting guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. With the option to substitute clams for mussels, this meal adapts beautifully to your preferences. The use of fresh tarragon paired with dried herbs creates a wonderful depth of flavor while keeping costs manageable. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete culinary experience that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
mussels
2 lbs (cleaned)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
celery
2 stalks (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
chicken broth
32 ounces (ready to use)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
white wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for added heat)
dried parsley
2 tablespoons (dried)
fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (for richness)
Instructions
1
Begin by cleaning the mussels thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand and grit. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, chop the onion and celery. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped vegetables until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
While the onions and celery are cooking, mince the garlic. Once the onions are translucent, add the garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4
Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors, adjusting salt to taste.
6
Just before the broth is ready, add the butter and fresh tarragon. Stir until the butter is melted and well incorporated.
7
Increase the heat to medium and carefully add the cleaned mussels to the boiling broth. Cover the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
8
Serve the mussels and broth immediately, garnished with additional fresh tarragon if desired, alongside crunchy bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mussels in Herb-Infused Tomato Broth?
It is a flavorful seafood dish featuring fresh mussels simmered in a zesty broth of tomatoes, white wine, tarragon, and various dried herbs.
How many pounds of mussels are required?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of fresh mussels, which should be thoroughly cleaned before cooking.
Can I substitute the mussels with another type of shellfish?
Yes, you can substitute clams for the mussels in this recipe if you prefer.
What vegetables are used in the broth base?
The base is made with one medium chopped onion and two stalks of chopped celery.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires three cloves of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
The white wine is used to deglaze the pan after sautéing the vegetables, adding depth and acidity to the broth.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You should use 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes for the broth.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté the chopped onion and celery in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of ready-to-use chicken broth.
What dried herbs are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes one tablespoon each of dried basil and dried oregano, plus two tablespoons of dried parsley.
How long does the broth need to simmer?
The broth should simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the mussels.
When should I add the fresh tarragon?
Add the two tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon just before adding the mussels, along with the butter.
Why is butter added to the broth?
Two tablespoons of butter are added at the end to provide richness and a smooth texture to the tomato broth.
How long do the mussels take to cook?
Once added to the boiling broth, mussels take approximately 2 to 3 minutes to open while covered.
What should I do with mussels that do not open?
Any mussels that remain closed after 3 minutes of cooking should be discarded.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the mussels immediately with crunchy or crusty bread to soak up the herb-infused broth.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for added heat, though this can be adjusted to taste.
How do I clean the mussels?
Clean them thoroughly under cold water to remove all sand and grit before starting the cooking process.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe uses dried herbs for cost-effectiveness, fresh basil, oregano, and parsley can be used if preferred.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for an appetizer or a main course?
It is versatile enough to be served as either an elegant appetizer or a hearty main course.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests one teaspoon of salt, but you should adjust it to your own taste.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is cleaning the mussels under cold water and setting them aside.
How long do I cook the garlic?
Add the minced garlic once the onions are translucent and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
How much wine is needed for deglazing?
You will need 1/2 cup of white wine for the deglazing step.
Should the heat be increased when adding mussels?
Yes, increase the heat to medium to ensure the broth is boiling before carefully adding the mussels.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
While the recipe specifies chicken broth, vegetable broth or seafood stock would also work well.
What texture should the onion and celery have?
They should be sautéed until they are softened and the onions are translucent.
What is the main aromatic herb in this dish?
Fresh tarragon is the standout aromatic herb that gives this dish its distinct flavor profile.