Delicious Mussels in Mouth-Watering Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Are you a seafood lover looking for a new and exciting dish to make at home? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for mussels in red wine sauce. Tender and juicy mussels are cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, infused with the fruity and bold taste of red wine.
This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner with your special someone or for entertaining guests at your next dinner party. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also impressive and delicious.
Plus, with the addition of garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried chives, this recipe packs in plenty of bold and zesty flavors that are sure to tickle your taste buds. And don’t forget about the fresh lemon juice and lime juice that add a tangy twist to this delectable dish.
So why wait? Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this show-stopping recipe for mussels in red wine sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a seafood lover looking to try out new recipes at home? Look no further! This Mussels in Red Wine Sauce recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and make your dinner guests swoon. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this delicious recipe:
Firstly, the combination of the mussels with red wine and diced tomatoes with basil and oregano will dance elegantly on your tongue, leaving a beautiful aftertaste that will have you craving more. You won’t be able to resist the rich and complex sauce that is infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried chives.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With only ten minutes of prep time, you can easily create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The steps are straightforward and hassle-free – all you need is a large pan and a few simple ingredients.
Thirdly, this dish is highly versatile. Not feeling like mussels? No problem! This recipe can be easily adapted to use other types of seafood such as steamed clams or even served over spaghetti for a delicious mussel pasta recipe. The options are endless!
Lastly, this recipe pairs perfectly with a fruity red wine. The flavors complement each other perfectly and make for an exquisite dining experience. Your guests will be impressed by the bold flavors of this dish, especially when it’s accompanied by the perfect bottle of wine.
So why not give this recipe a shot? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
- mussels, cleaned and debearded, about 4 cups
- red wine, such as a fruity red, 2 cups
- diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon
- fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup
- lime juice, 1/4 cup
- minced garlic, 2 tablespoons
- dried chives, 2 teaspoons
- red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon
- butter, 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick)
- extra-virgin olive oil, 4 tablespoons, divided
- shallots, thinly sliced, 2 cups (about 5 shallots)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
With just a handful of ingredients, you can make this flavorful mussels in red wine sauce recipe that will impress your family and guests.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know what ingredients we need for our Mussels in Red Wine Sauce Recipe, let’s dive into how to put it all together.
Step 1: Cleaning the Mussels
Before cooking the mussels, make sure to clean them thoroughly. Rinse the mussels under cold running water and scrub any barnacles and debris off with a brush. Discard any mussels that have cracked shells or are not tightly closed when tapped.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 3 cups of fruity red wine, 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of chicken broth into the pan. Add some freshly ground black pepper, dried chives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 3: Cooking the Mussels
Heat some more olive oil in another large pot over medium-high heat. Add some diced shallots and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the cleaned mussels into the pot along with 6 cloves of minced garlic, saffron (optional), and some more red pepper flakes for extra spice (optional). Pour in some white wine or citrusy beer if you like, otherwise just use more chicken broth. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam cook until all the mussels are fully opened – this should take about 5-8 minutes depending on their size.
Step 4: Combining Everything Together
Once all the mussels have opened up, discard any that haven’t open. Carefully pour the steamed mussels into the big pan with your warm, flavorful sauce. Gently toss everything together, giving it a quick stir. Let this cook on medium-high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and mixed well.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Dish!
Your Mussels in Red Wine Sauce dish should now be ready to serve! Preheat your oven to 350° F if you’re serving this with pasta or garlic bread, butter toast or steam rice. Place pasta or bread in oven for a few minutes until lightly toasted while warming up the sauce over low heat add additional spices like fresh basil or dried herbs. Serve directly from the pot or transfer to a serving dish – your guest will be wowed by your effort and cooking skills!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are countless opportunities for substitutions and variations to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions to switch things up:
– Mussels with White Wine Sauce Recipe: If you prefer a lighter sauce, try swapping the red wine with white wine instead. This will result in a bright and citrusy broth that pairs especially well with shellfish.
– Steamed Clams: For a twist on this recipe, substitute clams for mussels. Simply steam the clams until they open and prepare the sauce as directed above. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious broth.
– Spicy Tomato Sauce: You can easily add some heat to this dish by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding fresh chili peppers to the sauce. Alternatively, you could use a can of spicy tomato sauce in place of the diced tomatoes for an extra kick.
– Mussels Marinara Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something classic, try using a jar of marinara sauce instead of the diced tomatoes in this recipe for a rich tomato-based broth.
– Mussel Pasta Recipe: This flavorful broth pairs perfectly with spaghetti or linguine. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and toss it in the sauce just before serving.
– Saffron Mussels: To add some depth and complexity to this dish, infuse saffron threads into the broth as it simmers. The heady fragrance and vivid yellow color will make this dish feel extra special.
– Garlic Butter Mussels: Another classic variation is to simply swap out the tomato-based sauce for garlic butter instead. Heat up some butter in a large pan and add some minced garlic and diced parsley until fragrant before adding in your steamed mussels.
No matter how you prepare them or what substitutions you choose, mussels are always best enjoyed with good company and plenty of bread for dipping into that delicious broth!
Serving and Pairing
Mussels in Red Wine Sauce is a delicious seafood dish that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The sauce has an intense flavor with a combination of red wine, diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes which makes it ideal to pair with pasta or bread to soak up the sauce.
For serving, I suggest arranging the steamed mussels into a large serving bowl or individual bowls and generously pouring the red wine sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley and additional red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.
As for pairing, the fruity aroma from the red wine offers versatility for different dishes. For instance, if you’re feeling like serving pasta with your mussels, try cooking spaghetti in salted water until al-dente, drain and mix it with your chilli mussels or mussels marinara sauce.
Alternatively, garlic butter or saffron are aromatic that pair well in contrast to Mussels’ rich flavour. You can also serve Mussels in Red Wine Sauce with steamed clams or enjoy it as a side dish to grilled fish.
In conclusion, this dish pairs beautifully with a glass of fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot making it all-around fantastic seafood that can be enjoyed and memorable for years to come.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you plan on making this mussels in red wine sauce recipe ahead of time, it is best to prepare the dish until the point where you add the steamed mussels to the sauce. Once you’ve added the mussels, do not store them in the same pot as the sauce. Instead, remove the mussels from their shells and store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When ready to reheat, simply combine the desired amount of mussels and red wine sauce in a large pan over medium heat. If you find that the sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out with some extra white wine or chicken broth.
It is important not to overcook the mussels when reheating, as they may become tough and rubbery. Heat the sauce until it starts to simmer, then add your mussels and stir occasionally until they are heated through.
This make-ahead option is perfect for hosting large gatherings or saving time on weeknights. With this recipe, you’ll still be able to serve a delicious dish without sacrificing any of its flavors or textures.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best outcome, here are some tips that can help you in making the Mussels in Red Wine Sauce recipe:
1. Clean mussels properly: Always remember to clean the mussels thoroughly before cooking them in any recipe. Scrub off any barnacles attached to the shell; remove the beard using a knife, and then rinse with cold water.
2. Use a fruity red wine: A fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais will give the dish a delicious and flavorful taste.
3. Don’t overcook the mussels: Overcooking the mussels can make them rubbery and tough. Cook them for just enough time, till they open up.
4. Add butter: Adding butter to the sauce will give it a creamier texture and intensify the flavor of the wine.
5. Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil to ensure that the sauce has an excellent taste.
6. Experiment with spices: You can add some chili flakes or saffron to spice up the sauce if you want it more flavorful.
7. Serve immediately: Mussels are best served immediately after cooking. Make sure to serve them hot with your desired side dishes, preferably spaghetti or crusty bread.
With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed to make a great-tasting Mussels in Red Wine Sauce that will leave everyone asking for more!
FAQ
As you prepare to cook Mussels in Red Wine Sauce, there may be a variety of questions that come to mind. To help ensure perfect results every time, we have put together a list of some frequently asked questions. Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions when it comes to creating this delicious dish.
Can you use red wine instead of white wine for mussels?
When it comes to pairing wine with dishes made of mussels, one can steer away from the classic white wine pairing and explore some interesting options. For instance, instead of white wine, one can try a fruity and light red wine like Pinot Noir, Rosé, or even a Beaujolais. These unconventional choices can add a new dimension to the culinary experience when mussels are served in broth, stew, soup or pasta dishes.
Do mussels go with red wine?
When it comes to pairing mussels with wine, there are a few factors to consider. For instance, if your mussels are paired with a light sauce, a crisp white wine will usually do the trick. On the other hand, if your mussels come with a hearty tomato sauce and are stuffed with sausage meat, you may want to opt for an affordable Languedoc red or a robust rosé from southern France or Spain instead.
What wine goes with mussels in red sauce?
When it comes to wine, I suggest trying out refreshing white wines that have a slight savory taste with a hint of saltiness, like French Muscadet or Chablis. These types of Chardonnay are perfect for those who are fond of the flavor of oyster shells. Similar to this is a crisp pilsner beer that will also give you a refreshing taste. Another good option would be to pair rosé wines with dishes that have tomato-based or porky broths.
What to serve with mussels in wine sauce?
As a sommelier, I often come across a variety of delectable dishes that pair exceptionally well with different types of wine. From classic staples like bread and garlic bread to more indulgent options like French fries and sweet potato fries, there’s no shortage of delicious accompaniments to try.
If you’re in the mood for something light and crispy, why not try some toasted baguette with a creamy cheese spread? The sharpness of the cheese perfectly complements the refreshing acidity of a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc. Similarly, a tomato sauce-based dish, such as a hearty pasta or pizza, pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine, like a Pinot Noir.
For those who enjoy a bit of boldness in their dishes, garlic Parmesan potato wedges are a great option. The richness of the cheese and the pungency of the garlic are beautifully balanced by the depth of flavor in a full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon. Meanwhile, saffron rice pairs excellently with a medium-bodied white wine, like a Chardonnay, as it brings out the subtle flavors of the rice while cutting through its nuttiness.
No matter what your taste preferences are, there’s always a wine that will perfectly complement your meal. So, the next time you’re thinking of adding some bread or fries to your plate, consider reaching for a glass of wine to elevate the experience even further.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the mussels in red wine sauce recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of fresh ingredients, such as garlic, diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, and red pepper flakes, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a meal with family and friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
The rich and fruity flavors of the red wine elevate the dish to new heights, making it one of the best mussels recipes out there. Additionally, this recipe is highly versatile – you can easily substitute ingredients to your liking or add some saffron or lime juice for an extra kick.
Pairing this smoky and spicy sauce with pasta or steamed clams creates a delicious meal that is sure to impress everyone at the table. The sauce is so flavorful that it can stand alone as a dip or a marinade.
Overall this recipe ensures that even the fussiest seafood eater will be begging for more. So why wait? Why not try this delightful mussels in red wine sauce recipe today? Trust me; it will be one recipe you won’t regret making!
Mussels in Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs live mussels
- 3 cups merlot
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup dried chives
- 1/8 cup red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano
- pepper
Instructions
- Scrub and remove beards from mussels.
- Set Aside.
- In a large sauce pan combine the wine and butter.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium.
- Add the chives, red pepper flakes and garlic.
- Stirring often reduce volume by half.
- Return heat to high and add the tomatoes with juice, citrus juice and mussels.
- Stir once to coat and cover with a tight fitting lid.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and discard any mussels that have not opened.
- Ladle mussels into serving bowls and pour remaining sauce on top.
- Offer pepper at table.