Spicy Garlic Mussels in Tomato Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of the ocean with our Spicy Garlic Mussels in Tomato Sauce. This dish features fresh mussels sautéed in a rich and zesty sauce made from ripe tomatoes, aromatic onions, and the perfect blend of spices. An infusion of white wine and a hint of cayenne deliver a delightful kick that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a wonderful centerpiece for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Garnish with fresh parsley for an eye-catching presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mussels
1.5 kg (cleaned and debearded)
Onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
Green Pepper
1 (chopped)
Tomatoes
1 kg (peeled and chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (peeled and lightly crushed)
Flour
1 tablespoon
White Wine
1 glass
Sugar
to taste (for balancing acidity)
Olive Oil
to taste
Salt
to taste
Cayenne Chile
1-2 (whole or chopped, depending on heat preference)
Parsley
for garnish (fresh sprigs)
Instructions
1
Start by cleaning the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any debris. Discard any that are open or damaged.
2
In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Peel and finely chop the onion, then add it to the pan, sautéing until softened.
3
Chop the green pepper and add it to the onion, mixing well. Season with a pinch of salt and sugar to balance the flavors and reduce acidity from the tomatoes.
4
Once the onions and peppers begin to brown, peel and chop the tomatoes, adding them along with the cayenne peppers to the mixture. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down.
5
Using an immersion blender, puree the sauce until smooth, then set aside.
6
In another large pot, combine the cleaned mussels with a glass of white wine. Cover and steam over medium heat until the mussels open, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Discard any that remain shut.
7
Carefully remove the opened mussels and place them in a serving dish, keeping them warm. Strain the cooking liquid through cheesecloth to reserve the broth.
8
In the same pot, return to medium heat and add a splash more olive oil. Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them before adding to the pan. Sauté until golden brown.
9
Sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
10
Gradually pour in the reserved mussel broth and the prepared tomato sauce, stirring well to combine.
11
Return the mussels to the pot, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Let simmer on low for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12
Serve the mussels in deep bowls, generously spooning the spicy sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic Mussels in Tomato Sauce?
It is a vibrant seafood dish featuring fresh mussels sautéed in a rich, zesty tomato sauce with aromatic onions, garlic, white wine, and cayenne pepper.
How many mussels are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 kg of fresh mussels.
How do I prepare the mussels before cooking?
Clean the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove debris and debearding them.
What should I do with mussels that are open before cooking?
You should discard any mussels that are open or damaged before you begin the cooking process.
What vegetables are used in the tomato sauce base?
The sauce base consists of one onion, one green pepper, and one kilogram of tomatoes.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Sugar is added to taste to help balance the flavors and reduce the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
How long should the tomatoes cook to break down?
The tomatoes should be cooked with the peppers and onions for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How do I make the tomato sauce smooth?
Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked tomato and pepper mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
What liquid is used to steam the mussels?
The mussels are steamed using one glass of white wine.
How long does it take to steam the mussels?
Steaming the mussels takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they open.
What should I do if some mussels do not open after steaming?
Any mussels that remain shut after the steaming process should be discarded.
What happens to the mussel cooking liquid?
The cooking liquid should be strained through a cheesecloth and reserved to be used as broth for the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 2 garlic cloves that are peeled and lightly crushed.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the garlic and oil?
One tablespoon of flour is added to create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce when the broth is added.
What gives the dish its spicy kick?
The heat comes from adding 1 to 2 cayenne chiles to the tomato mixture.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the mussels?
Yes, you can use more or fewer cayenne chiles depending on your personal heat preference.
How do I combine the broth and sauce?
Gradually pour the reserved mussel broth and the pureed tomato sauce into the pot with the roux, stirring well.
How long should the mussels simmer in the final sauce?
Once returned to the pot, let the mussels simmer in the sauce on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
How is this dish typically served?
Serve the mussels in deep bowls with a generous amount of spicy sauce spooned over them.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is garnished with fresh parsley sprigs for an eye-catching presentation.
Is this dish suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for sharing with friends and family at gatherings.
What type of oil should be used?
Olive oil is recommended for sautéing the vegetables and the garlic.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is the onion peeled before chopping?
Yes, the onion should be peeled and then finely chopped.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 1 kg of tomatoes should be peeled and chopped.
What tags define this recipe's style?
It is tagged as seafood, spicy, Mediterranean, and an easy recipe.
What type of pepper is used in the sauce base?
A green pepper is chopped and sautéed with the onions.
Should the garlic be minced?
No, the recipe calls for the garlic cloves to be peeled and lightly crushed rather than minced.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This is a Mediterranean-style seafood dish.
Can I use whole cayenne chiles?
Yes, you can use them whole or chopped depending on how much heat you want to release into the sauce.