Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the coastal regions of Italy with just one bite - a culinary adventure that combines the briny freshness of perfectly cooked mussels with a fiery, robust arrabbiata sauce that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another seafood recipe; it's a gourmet experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, these Spicy Red Arrabbiata Mussels are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mussels, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mussels. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and white wine, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and give the sauce a gentle toss to combine with the mussels.
- Remove the pot from heat and serve the mussels in bowls, generously ladled with the spicy arrabbiata sauce. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Mussel Selection: Always choose fresh, tightly closed mussels with a clean, ocean-like smell. Avoid any that smell fishy or have cracked shells.
- Cleaning Technique: Rinse mussels thoroughly under cold water and remove any "beards" by pulling them off just before cooking.
- Cooking Precision: Watch mussels carefully while cooking - they're done when the shells open completely. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.
- Sauce Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you want extra spice.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements this dish perfectly - and you can use the same wine in the sauce!
- Bread is Your Friend: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious, spicy sauce - it's practically mandatory!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
