Spicy Italian Mussels

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato passata 1 cup (240ml) tomato passata
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards and discarding any open or damaged ones.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Pour in the tomato passata, white wine, and water. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the cleaned mussels to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mussels and give it a gentle stir.
6. 6.
   Serve the Spicy Italian Mussels hot, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and alive before cooking. Discard any mussels that do not open after cooking.
• Tomato passata — If tomato passata is not available, you can substitute it with canned crushed tomatoes blended until smooth.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté some finely diced onions along with the garlic.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
• Serve the mussels with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Don't forget to provide a bowl for discarded mussel shells.
• Enjoy the mussels with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Italian Mussels as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the mussels in a large serving dish, allowing the vibrant red sauce to shine. Arrange the mussels in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an appealing finishing touch.