Mussels Fra Diavolo
Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of Mussels Fra Diavolo, a classic Italian dish that combines succulent mussels with a spicy tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a taste of the Mediterranean. With a fragrant blend of garlic, shallots, and aromatic herbs, simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce, every bite is a burst of bold and satisfying flavors.
Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a complete and memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, Mussels Fra Diavolo is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and elegant presentation.
Mussels Fra Diavolo
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 basil sprig
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Sugar
One 28-ounce can tomato puree, preferably Italian
Pepper
Mussels
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallot
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 cup dry white wine
3 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
Chopped parsley, for serving
Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
Make the Sauce
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
Add the onion, basil, garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the wine, tomato paste and a generous pinch of sugar and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the tomato puree and bring just to a boil.
Cover partially and simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced to 3 cups, about 30 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Make the Mussels
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
Add the shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over high heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the wine and boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the mussels, cover and cook until the mussels open, 3 to 5 minutes; discard any mussels that do not open.
Season lightly with salt, then transfer the mussels and sauce to a platter.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve right away with crusty bread.
Notes:
Flavorful Sauce: The sauce for Mussels Fra Diavolo is the heart of the dish, combining olive oil, aromatic herbs like basil and oregano, garlic, and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper. Simmering the sauce with wine, tomato paste, and tomato puree creates a rich and robust flavor profile that perfectly complements the seafood.
Preparation of Mussels: Before cooking the mussels, it’s essential to scrub and debeard them to ensure they are clean and ready to be cooked. This step helps remove any debris or impurities from the shells, ensuring a clean and enjoyable dining experience.
Cooking Technique: The mussels are cooked in two stages: first, the aromatic base of shallot, garlic, and crushed red pepper is sautéed until fragrant. Then, white wine is added, followed by the prepared tomato sauce. This two-step process allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of taste.
Timing: When cooking the mussels, it’s crucial to monitor them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they open. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery mussels, so it’s best to follow the recommended cooking time of 3 to 5 minutes and discard any mussels that do not open.
Presentation: Once the mussels are cooked, they are arranged on a platter and generously spooned with the flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh burst of color and flavor, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish. Serving with crusty bread allows diners to soak up the delicious sauce and savor every bite.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 pound of mussels with sauce and bread
Calories: 600 | Fat: 30 grams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Protein: 35 grams | Sodium: 800 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of wine besides dry white wine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dry white wine with other varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Do I have to use tomato puree, or can I use diced tomatoes instead?
Tomato puree provides a smoother consistency, but diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute if desired.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I omit the sugar from the sauce?
Yes, you can omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
The sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How do I know if the mussels are cooked properly?
Mussels are cooked when their shells have opened.
Discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they may be unsafe to eat.
What type of bread is best served with Mussels Fra Diavolo?
Crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, is ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Is it necessary to debeard the mussels before cooking?
Yes, debearding helps remove any debris or seaweed attached to the mussels, ensuring they are clean before cooking.
Can I add other seafood to this recipe, like shrimp or clams?
Yes, you can add shrimp or clams to enhance the seafood flavor.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of seafood used.
What can I use as a substitute for crushed red pepper?
You can substitute crushed red pepper with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for added heat.
Can I freeze leftover Mussels Fra Diavolo?
Mussels are best enjoyed fresh and are not recommended for freezing due to texture changes upon thawing.
It’s best to consume them immediately after cooking.