| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 569 | 20g | 9g | 49g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 38g | 1.16g |
Why I Love Canadian Mussel Linguine with Garlic and White Wine
There are so many reasons to love this appetizing Canadian dish called Mussel Linguine with Garlic and White Wine. Not only does it bring the fresh taste of the sea right onto your dinner plate, but it also marries it beautifully with the classic and familiar flavors of garlic and white wine to create a truly distinctive dining experience. Here’s why this recipe stands close to my heart…
A Touch of Familiarity with a Twist
As someone whose Italian-American heritage has greatly influenced my culinary preferences, I find the Mussel Linguine with Garlic and White Wine to be a delightful surprise. Though seafood does not feature as prominently in traditional Neapolitan cuisine as pasta and garlic, this dish has found a way to bridge my favorite elements. This Canadian recipe presents a delicious twist on a familiar theme, not far off from say, the spaghetti alle vongole (clams), a dish native to Italy.
The Inspiration
It’s no secret that I draw a lot of my inspiration from well-seasoned chefs like Quebec’s very own Martin Picard. His bold use of local ingredients and flair for creating unconventional dishes that remain true to their roots remind me a lot of my own culinary journey. It’s been an inspiration in coming up with unique dishes like this Mussel Linguine with Garlic and White Wine. Incidentally, Martin is particularly known for his expertise in making the most of Canada’s seafood bounty.
Perfect Pairings
This recipe is perfectly paired with a light Caesar salad, or perhaps a loaf of fresh crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices. The tang in the salad and the warmth of the bread are brilliant companions that complement the decadence of the pasta. To truly enjoy this experience, consider pouring yourself a glass of the same dry white wine used in the preparation of the dish. In every sense of the term, this combination is bound to result in a complete and fulfilling meal.
Ultimately, it’s the love for food, the passion for cooking, and the joy of sharing it with others that makes this recipe so dear to me. As a grandfather, I consider it a privilege to bring family and friends together at the table and watch them relish this palate pleaser. This Mussel Linguine with Garlic and White Wine undeniably holds a special place in my recipe repertoire, and I hope it finds one in yours too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1 pound of linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning and debearding the mussels. Set them aside as you prepare other ingredients.
Step Two
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step Three
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots. Sauté them until they become fragrant.
Step Four
Add in the mussels to the skillet. Pour in the cup of dry white wine. Cover the skillet and let the mussels cook for about 5 to 8 minutes or until they open. Discard any mussels that do not open.
Step Five
Next, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to the mixture according to your taste.
Step Six
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until it has melted and evenly coats the mussels. Add the cooked linguine and mix well, so that the pasta is fully incorporated with the mussels and the sauce.
Step Seven
Before serving, sprinkle the mixture with half a cup of grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your mussel linguine with garlic and white wine.
