Tomato Mussels

Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with this Tomato Mussels recipe—a delightful fusion of succulent seafood and vibrant flavors that promises to elevate any dining experience. Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.

Beyond their exquisite taste, the health benefits of whole canned tomatoes take center stage in this recipe for Tomato Mussels. Bursting with lycopene—an antioxidant known for its potential in promoting bone health, protecting against heart disease and reducing the risk of certain cancers—canned tomatoes lend not only robust flavor but also a nutritional boost to this meal. Moreover, this recipe exemplifies simplicity at its finest, offering a quick and easy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated yet delicious dining. 

How to cook mussels

Cooking mussels may sound intimating, but it doesn’t need to be! Here are a few easy steps to ensure you make the perfect mussels every time.

1. Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing them with a brush to remove any debris or sand, and discard any with broken shells or those that do not close when tapped, as they may not be fresh. Once cleaned, check the freshness of the mussels by ensuring their shells are tightly closed or that they close when tapped—if any remain open, they may be dead and should be discarded.
2. In a large pot, bring your water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned mussels to the pot and cover with a lid.
3. Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.

Are mussels good for you?

Yes, mussels are good for you, as they are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits. They are an excellent source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, and iron. Furthermore, mussels are low in fat and calories, making them a nutritious option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. However, it’s essential to ensure that mussels are sourced from clean waters and cooked properly to avoid potential contamination and foodborne illness.

Learn how to make this recipe here. 

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Tomato Mussels

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Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Medium White Onion, Finely Chopped
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 3 tbsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley, Plus More For Finishing
• 1 (28-Oz) Can Whole Tomatoes, Drained And Chopped
• ¼ tsp. Dried Thyme
• ¼ tsp. Red-Pepper Flakes
• 4 Pounds Mussels, Scrubbed And Debearded
• ⅛ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• Kosher Salt, To Taste
• Toasted Bread, Preferably Whole Grain (Optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, tomatoes, thyme and red-pepper flakes. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. When cleaning mussels, discard any that have broken shells or that don’t clamp shut when tapped. Add the mussels to the pot, bring to a boil and cover. Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, just until the mussels open. Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.
3. Stir the black pepper into the broth. Taste the broth and, if needed, add salt. Ladle the broth over the mussels and serve with the toasted bread. Enjoy!

Notes

• You need quite a large pot to make this recipe, but if you don’t have one big enough, you can always halve the recipe (so it serves 2) and make it in a pot such as one you might use to boil pasta.
• Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
  
  

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

20 mussels
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 590mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 29g