Succulent Mussels Recipe: Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce
If you’re a seafood lover, then this recipe is just what you need to elevate your culinary skills. Imagine succulent mussels swimming in a savory tomato-basil wine sauce that tingles your taste buds with every bite. It’s the perfect way to indulge in the natural sweetness of the sea while enjoying an alluring contrast that only wine and herbs can bring.
Mussels are a delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than in a homemade tomato-basil wine sauce. The addition of creamy butter, garlic, and juicy tomatoes gives this dish an exquisite flavor profile that is sure to make you fall in love with it.
This recipe is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy culinary skills. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or hosting a family gathering, this dish will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
I promise you won’t regret trying this mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe – it’s one of my favorites! So, grab your apron, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a seafood lover, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce recipe. Not only is it a delicious and mouth-watering combination of fresh mussels, tasty tomatoes, and fragrant basil, but it also features an indulgent tomato basil wine sauce that’ll knock your socks off.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s quick and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients such as garlic cloves, onion, olive oil, dry white wine, and fresh basil, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef. Plus, the savory flavor of the tomato sauce is elevated by the gentle aroma of white wine.
The mussels are cooked in the tomato basil wine sauce for maximum flavor absorption, embedding the delicious herbaceous scent of the tomatoes with the bright acidity of the wine into every single mussel texture resulting in an extremely flavourful dish.
Another reason to love this seafood recipe is its extensive serving options capable of appealing to varying palates. Whether you prefer yours over pasta dishes or steamed mussels on their own served simply with crusty bread or as a side to white fish like cod, these mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce are versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Additionally, when paired with a light-bodied white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), this recipe further enhances the overall palate-pleasing experience for everyone from seafood beginners to those with an established affinity for sea fare.
In summary, this Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a cozy night in or even just something else promisingly delightful to add to your repertoire of great dinner recipes because nothing beats enjoying culinary delight while doing it indoors where it’s warm yet surrounded by loved ones on an unforgettable food adventure.
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs of mussels
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon rind, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
This Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce Recipe is super easy to prepare and it will definitely impress your guests. You will need 2 pounds of mussels, which you can find at your local market or grocery store. Additionally, you will need a few basic ingredients such as olive oil, onion, garlic, dry white wine, and tomatoes. The recipe also calls for some red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper to spice things up a little bit. If you want to add some extra flavor to this dish, feel free to garnish it with some lemon rind and fresh basil leaves.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients listed above, let’s dive straight into the steps on how to make this delicious Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce Recipe.
Step 1: Cook the mussels
In a large pan, cook the mussels over medium heat with 1 cup of dry white wine and 2 cloves of garlic until they open. Remove them from the pan and set them aside. Discard any unopened ones as they may be bad.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In the same pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on low heat. Add in 1 small onion, chopped, and cook while stirring occasionally until it turns brown. Add in 6 minced garlic cloves and continue cooking for another minute.
Next, add 2 large coarsely chopped tomatoes (use ripe ones to enhance the flavor), and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have dissolved and turned saucy.
Step 3: Add in the mussels & basil
Once cooked, add back in the steamed mussels into the pan with its juices. Then, pour in around two cups of tomato sauce, followed by a generous amount of fresh chopped basil leaves (around half cup).
Give it a good mix and then cover the pan to let everything simmer for about five minutes on low heat.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
You could serve it as is, or with Pasta or even Spaghetti! This dish pairs best with a slice of pan-seared cod or any white fish recipes that you like or even crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.
That’s it! You can now savor your mouth-watering Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce Recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
If you are looking for some variations or substitutions to give this Mussels with Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce recipe a twist, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some excellent options to customize this recipe to match your taste:
– Tomatoes: The base of this recipe is the tomato-basil sauce. However, if you’re not a fan of tomatoes or don’t have any at hand, then roasted red pepper sauce is your next best option.
– Wine: Dry white wine is perfect for mussels, and Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc fit well with this recipe. But, you can always substitute white wine for beer or vegetable broth.
– Mussels: You can use clams or shrimp instead of mussels in this recipe. If you’re not a seafood fan, then add sautéed mushrooms and asparagus to the sauce.
– Spiciness: This dish has a subtle touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. But, if you love spicy food, then add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make it more hot and spicy.
– Creamy Sauce: If you prefer your sauces creamy rather than tomato-based, you could create a creamy tomato basil sauce by adding 1/4 – 1/2 cup of cream or half & half towards the end of cooking time.
With these substitutions and variations, you can make this Mussels with Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce recipe fit perfectly to your palate.
Serving and Pairing
Once the mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe is ready, it can be served piping hot straight from the pan. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top will add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to this already delicious dish.
This recipe pairs well with crusty artisan bread or garlic bread, which helps sop up the flavorful sauce. Sipping on a glass of dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors of the mussels and adds to the meal’s overall enjoyment.
If you’re looking to make this dish a complete meal, serve it over a bed of steaming linguine or spaghetti for not only an aesthetically pleasing presentation but also for additional texture and flavor.
For those who want a little heat in their dish, adding some red chili flakes into the mix can give that extra kick.
Overall, this mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe is versatile and can be paired with a range of different sides and drinks to create a meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe is best served immediately after cooking. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can refrigerate the sauce and the steamed mussels separately for up to two days.
When reheating, place the sauce in a pan and heat it over low heat until it simmers. Once simmering, add the steamed mussels back into the sauce and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook the mussels as they can become tough.
This recipe is not suitable for freezing as cooked mussels do not freeze well. It’s recommended that you only prepare what you plan to consume right away, so as not to waste any ingredients or risk food poisoning due to improper storage.
If you have leftover mussels, it’s best to remove them from their shells and store them separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can use these cooked mussels in other recipes or serve them cold with a dipping sauce.
Overall, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy its delicious flavors and aromas even if prepared a day ahead.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce, follow my tips for the perfect results. First of all, it’s essential to thoroughly clean and scrub the mussels before cooking as it guarantees the mussels are free from sand and dirt.
For the best flavor profile, use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the essence of the seafood broth, and sweet cherry tomatoes mixed with a burst of fresh basil. For an additional delicious twist, add a hint of red pepper flakes for some spiciness.
When cooking the onions and garlic, maintain low heat as they can quickly burn which leaves an unpleasant acrid taste. Infused olive oil or garlic butter works great instead of regular olive oil as these add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
When cooking mussels, add them into the pan right at the end to avoid overcooking. Overcooked mussels can be rubbery and chewy, so make sure to follow a recipe that requires steaming at high heat for no more than five minutes.
Adding some lemon rind and fresh ground black pepper right before serving always elevate flavors, making them more vibrant and refreshing.
These tips guarantee you won’t go wrong when preparing this classic dish.
FAQ
Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe.
What wine goes with mussels in tomato sauce?
When pairing wine with a tomato-based dish, it’s important to choose a wine that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the meal. Pinot Noir, a light to medium-bodied red wine with high acidity, is a perfect match for dishes like mussels in tomato broth. Opting for a heavier red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz could easily mask the nuanced flavors of the mussels.
What is the best wine to cook mussels in?
When it comes to pairing wine with mussels baked with garlic and breadcrumbs, a Pinot Grigio or other Italian white with a dry and crisp taste is a great match. However, a fruity Sauvignon Blanc like Sauvignon de Touraine or an unoaked Chardonnay will do the job as well.
What to serve with mussels in wine sauce?
A tasty range of side dishes come to mind when considering the perfect meal to pair with various wines. Some of my favorites include a golden-brown loaf of bread, crispy French fries, fragrant saffron rice, crunchy garlic bread, sweet potato fries with a tangy dip, savory garlic-parmesan potato wedges, freshly toasted baguette slices, and rich tomato sauce to dip your bread in. Each dish offers its unique flavors that can enhance and complement the characteristics of various wine varietals.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a recipe that is both mouth-watering and easy to make, then this mussels in tomato-basil wine sauce recipe is perfect for you. Not only does it contain ingredients that are simple and affordable, but it’s also a dish that can be prepared in under an hour.
Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a delicious meal with your family, this recipe is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and see for yourself why so many people love this recipe.
With its unique blend of fresh flavors, paired perfectly with dry white wine, these mussels are sure to be a hit at the table. You can even serve it with spaghetti or crusty bread to soak up all the savory goodness in the tomato-basil wine sauce.
In short, this recipe provides an excellent opportunity to explore new flavors and aromas while enjoying the company of loved ones. It’s a recipe that will not disappoint and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and try it out today!
Mussels in Tomato-Basil Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 3 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- warm crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and garlic, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add wine and tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Add mussels; cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until mussels open. Discard any unopened mussels.
- Remove mussels with a slotted spoon, and place in serving bowls. Add basil, lemon rind, and pepper to liquid in pan; add butter, and swirl in pan until melted. Spoon sauce over mussels. Serve immediately with warm, crusty bread.