Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastal regions of Portugal with this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious Mussels a la Portuguese recipe! Imagine a dish that combines the briny freshness of perfectly cooked mussels with a rich, aromatic sauce that will have you swooning with every single bite. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress dinner guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is about to become your new culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mussels
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- White wine
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Clean the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any beards or debris and discard any mussels that are already open or damaged.
- Finely chop the onions and garlic. Dice the fresh tomatoes into small cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large, wide cooking pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle paprika into the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the white wine and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to develop a rich sauce.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the sauce.
- Cover the pot and cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally to help the mussels open.
- Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking, as they are not safe to eat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the pot, with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Mussel Freshness is Key: Always buy mussels from a reputable fishmonger and use them on the same day of purchase. Fresh mussels should have tightly closed shells or close when tapped.
- Cleaning is Crucial: Spend extra time cleaning your mussels. Rinse them under cold water and remove any beards or debris. If a mussel is already open and doesn't close when tapped, discard it immediately.
- Wine Matters: Use a good quality, dry white wine like Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine will significantly impact the sauce's flavor, so choose wisely.
- Don't Overcook: Mussels cook quickly. Once they open, they're done. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot. Have your crusty bread ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cilantro Tip: Add fresh cilantro at the very end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 314kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg
