Indulge in a mouth-watering bowl of mussels with rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This one-pot meal is not only a quick and easy-to-make dish, but it also has a restaurant-quality taste that you can enjoy at home. Imagine succulent mussels steamed to perfection in a delectable tomato sauce with a blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and white wine. Below you’ll find a detailed Mussels Provencal recipe that includes a step-by-step guide to help you create a scrumptious dinner that will tantalize your taste buds.
Treat your taste buds to a culinary voyage with this exquisite Mussels Provencal recipe! Bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this dish offers a symphony of savory delights that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Provence. Combining the natural sweetness of mussels with the vibrant freshness of tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of white wine, this dish is a celebration of seafood at its finest. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, Mussels Provencal promises to elevate any meal with its irresistible flavors and irresistible charm. Prepare to delight your senses and impress your guests with this delectable seafood masterpiece!
Mussels Provencal
Mussels Provencal is a traditional seafood dish that blends the savory flavor of mussels with fresh tomatoes and white wine. The dish’s simplicity, boldness, and authenticity make it a versatile choice that can be served as an appetizer for a seafood dinner or as a topping for a delicious pasta dish.
If you’ve never tried mussels, they are similar to clams or oysters, with a salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Before cooking, it is important to clean and remove the beards of fresh mussels. Alternatively, you can also use boiled mussels for this dish. The best recipe for mussels includes fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, bell pepper, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and a touch of white wine for added depth of flavor. The mussels are then steamed in this flavorful sauce until they open, allowing them to absorb all the delicious flavors of the ingredients.
Mussels Provencal Ingredients
- Mussels: The star of the dish, they provide a salty and sweet flavor that is a perfect complement to the tomato sauce.
- Large onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide the flavor base for the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
- Thyme, Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs add brightness and a touch of earthiness to the dish and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- White Wine: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce while providing a subtle sweetness to balance the tomato acidity.
- Pelati Tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce, while pelati tomatoes provide a rich and robust tomato flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the flavors and adds richness to the sauce.
- Sugar: Used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and umami flavor to the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky flavor that complements the seafood and adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Oregano: Enhances the overall flavor profile by adding earthy and floral notes to the sauce.
How to Make Mussels with Tomato Sauce?
- First, dice the onion and bell pepper, and slice the celery, garlic, and chili.
- Next, cut the parsley and basil into strips.
- Puree the pelati tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
- Then, sauté the onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, add the bell pepper and celery, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and chili pepper. Then, add the white wine, paprika, oregano, and sugar.
- Add the mussels (I use boiled Chilean mussels). Add the pelati tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Also, add the seawater from the mussel package, preferably strained through a sieve.
- Cover and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
- When the mussels are cooked, add the chopped parsley and basil and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Chef Recipe Tips:
- It is ideal to serve mussels with dried bread.
- You can also add olives for a more interesting taste.
- If you use fresh and raw mussels, simmer them for 20 minutes.
How to Shop for Mussels?
Fresh mussels are readily available these days. But it’s important to check for freshness. Fresh clams should be alive, and the shell should be closed, or if it is slightly open, it should close when gently tapped.
You can always ask your fishmonger to tell you exactly where the mussels came from and how long ago they were harvested. The clams should have a fresh ocean smell but not a fishy smell.
What to Serve With Mussels?
It is important to complement the rich flavors of mussels with light and refreshing accompaniments when serving them as an appetizer. Here are some ideas for serving mussels as an appetizer or side dish:
- Crusty bread: A classic choice to soak up the flavorful broth from the mussels is a crusty bread such as baguette or ciabatta. For a satisfying and indulgent appetizer, serve slices of warm, toasted bread with the mussels.
- Garlic Bread: Take your crusty bread to the next level. Turn it into garlic bread. Spread slices of bread with garlic-flavored butter and toast until golden brown. The savory broth from the clams pairs beautifully with the garlic flavor.
- Grilled vegetables: A delicious accompaniment to mussels is grilled vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and asparagus. The smoky, charred flavor of the vegetables pairs well with the salty sweetness of the mussels, creating a well-rounded appetizer.
- Rice or Pasta: For a more substantial appetizer or side dish, serve mussels over a bed of cooked rice or pasta. The starchy texture of the rice or pasta will help to soak up the flavorful broth, making for a more comforting and satisfying meal.
How to Store and Clean Mussels?
The key to storing clams is to keep them alive and fresh until you’re ready to cook them. When you purchase them, remove them from any plastic packaging. Place them in a bowl or container and cover them with a damp cloth or paper towel. Refrigerate and use within 1-2 days to ensure they taste the best. To clean clams, scrub the shells under cold running water with a brush. Remove any dirt, sand, or debris. Discard any clams with cracked shells or open shells that do not close when you lightly tap them. Once the mussels have been cleaned, they are ready to be cooked and enjoyed in your favorite recipe.
Dice the onion and bell pepper, and slice the celery, garlic, and chili.
Cut the parsley and basil into strips.
Puree the pelati tomatoes in a blender until smooth.
Sauté the onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, add the bell pepper and celery, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and chili pepper. Add the white wine, paprika, oregano, and sugar.
Add the mussels (I use boiled Chilean mussels). Add the pelati tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Also, add the seawater from the mussel package, preferably strained through a sieve.
Cover and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
When the mussels are cooked, add the chopped parsley and basil and season with salt and pepper.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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When cooking Mussels Provencal, be sure to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up the flavorful sauce—it's simply irresistible! Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding olives to the dish. Their briny goodness pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the mussels and adds a delightful twist to the recipe. And if you're using fresh, raw mussels, remember to simmer them for a bit longer, about 20 minutes, to ensure they're cooked through. With these simple tips, you'll take your Mussels Provencal to the next level and impress even the most discerning seafood lovers at your table. Bon appétit!
