| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 330 | 13g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 20g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Canadian Mussels in Tomato, Garlic, and White Wine Sauce
A Gem from the Sea: Mussels in Tomato, Garlic, and White Wine Sauce
I’ve always been drawn to spectacular dishes that achieve an oceanic flair, such as the Canadian classic: Mussels in Tomato, Garlic, and White Wine Sauce. This recipe is a tribute to my New England lineage, the pristine shores that produce the finest seafood, and the sophisticated palates that appreciate it. There’s a certain authenticity of taste that comes from fishing your dinner straight from the azure waves, and this dish delivers on that sentiment.
The interplay of flavors happening here is incredibly remarkable, and makes this dish one to remember. Think about it, the cloves of garlic add a punchy, piquant note, balanced by the sweetness of finely chopped onions and tomatoes. The pungency of dried basil and parsley create an aromatic ambiance that is nothing short of enticing, and the pepper punctuates it with just enough warmth. And then, the piece de resistance. The mussels. Their succulent, subtle flavor, showcasing the jewels of the ocean, balances the exciting notes of the sauce.
Great Inspiration: Chef Martin Picard’s Gourmet Technique
I must admit, this recipe is not solely the product of my own kitchen experimental sessions. A chunk of inspiration was drawn from the celebrated Canadian chef Martin Picard. His proficiency in using local ingredients and transforming them into gourmet dishes is truly remarkable, and it has breathed life into this particular recipe.
Comparing it to other dishes would lead us close to the famous Italian dish ‘Cozze alla Marinara.’ But keeping the Irish influence alive, this recipe works wonderfully well as a precursor to the comfort-laden Beef and Guinness Stew. Prepare these dishes on a cool evening, and you’ve got an international dinner party that is sure to impress.
Indeed, the combination of the mussels in their sophisticated sauce served alongside thick, crusty slices of baguette for dipping is a culinary match made in heaven. Whether as a starter or the main event, Mussels in Tomato, Garlic, and White Wine Sauce will invade your heart. Here’s hoping you enjoy it as much as my family and I do. As the Irish say; it’s a ‘taste worth dying for!’
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds fresh Canadian mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted (for serving)
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the mussels. Get rid of any mussels that are already open and wash the others under cold water. Using a brush, scrub the shells to remove any dirt and pull off the beards (the fibers that hang out of the mussel’s shell).
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced cloves of garlic and 1 finely chopped white onion to the pot. Cook these until they become tender and aromatic, this should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the can of diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir the mixture together and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
Add 1 1/2 cups of dry white wine, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and salt to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step Five
Once the mixture is boiling, add the previously cleaned mussels into the pot. Cover the pot and let it cook until the mussels have opened up. This usually takes around 10 minutes. Discard any mussels that have not opened up at this point.
Step Six
Garnish your mussels with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. After that, serve the mussels immediately with slices of toasted baguette on the side for dipping in the delicious tomato, garlic, and white wine sauce.
