Mussels With Marinara Sauce
Serves 3 to 4
You can serve the mussels over pasta, in which case they will serve four, or in bowls by themselves, in which case they will serve three adults. The mussels throw off a lot of liquid and the sauce will not be a thick tomato-y one. You can add tomato paste, herbs, wine or hot pepper to the tomato sauce if you like, but sometimes simple is best. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce and a good red wine.
1 bag (2½ pounds) mussels
2 cups chopped tomatoes
6 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Chopped parsley
Flatten the garlic cloves and saute in the olive oil until they are brown on each side. Remove. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. You’ll know it is ready when you see drops of oil on the top.
Clean the mussels: Wash them, remove any beards and discard any mussels that are broken or open. Add to the tomato sauce and steam over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mussels are all open. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Discard any mussels that are still closed.