A Mouthwatering Steamed Mussels Recipe: A Quick and Cheesy Meal for Any Night

Introduction

Looking for a hearty yet simple seafood dish to serve tonight? Look no further than steamed mussels in a delicious tomato white wine broth with chorizo! This recipe serves up a burst of flavor and makes a perfect meal for family, friends, or even solo diners looking for something comforting and easy.

Be forewarned: once you taste this delicious concoction, you’ll be hooked! The combination of the creamy, slightly sweet mussels, the robust, slightly spicy chorizo, the tangy tomatoes, and the hint of sweetness from the wine is simply delightful. Serve it with a side of steamed greens and your favorite bread or pasta, and you have a meal that’s sure to impress.

Why We Love This Recipe

This recipe is a favorite for several reasons:

Cost-effective: Mussels are a budget-friendly option for a family meal or entertaining guests, especially when they’re on sale at the seafood market. Time-efficient: The preparation and cooking process is quick, requiring only approximately 20 minutes of your time. Easy to make: Despite the flavorful ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for those new to seafood cooking. Impressive presentation: This dish can be a hit at family gatherings or potlucks, thanks to its elegant and comforting appearance.

The Ingredients and Prep

Here's a list of all the ingredients you'll need to make this delicious steamed mussels dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 chorizo sausages, sliced or diced 1/4 cup (125ml) dry white wine 1 can of crushed tomatoes 1-2 tablespoons sugar (raw was used in this recipe) 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of whole mussels, scrubbed and with beards removed Whole pitted kalamata olives (optional) 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley and/or chopped spring onion

In this dish, the key is to properly prepare the mussels before adding them to the broth:

Thoroughly scrub the mussels to remove any grit and beards. Beards are tough strands that grow from the mussel's shell and can be removed by brushing them off with a vegetable brush or scrubbing them under running water. Optional: if you enjoy olives, add them towards the end of cooking to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Preparation Steps

Begin by gently sautéing the crushed garlic in the olive oil. Add the chorizo and continue to gently fry until it's nicely cooked. Then, add the white wine, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Let the mixture reduce for 5-10 minutes to thicken the broth slightly.

Next, add the whole mussels and sprinkle in half of the chopped parsley and/or spring onion. Cover the pan with a lid and let it steam for approximately 6-8 minutes. The mussels will be cooked when they open wide, so discard any that remain closed. Add the rest of the parsley and kalamata olives toward the end, and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

The chorizo will naturally season the dish, but adjust to your taste if necessary. Shallots can be used in place of the garlic for a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This steamed mussels recipe is a versatile, simple, and impressive way to bring flavor and excitement to your dinner table. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight meal or for a special occasion. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new and delicious cooking experience, give this recipe a try and enjoy the rewarding results!

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