Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
2
servings
2 lbs

live mussels

scrubbed, debearded

3 cups

merlot

4 tbsp

butter

0.25 cup

dried chives

0.13 cup

red pepper flakes

1 tbsp

minced garlic

minced

2 tbsp

fresh lemon juice

1 unit

diced tomatoes with basil and oregano

1 pinch

pepper

Step 1
~2 min

Scrub and debeard the live mussels.

Step 2
~2 min

Set the cleaned mussels aside.

Step 3
~2 min

In a large saucepan, combine merlot and butter.

Step 4
~2 min

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

Step 5
~2 min

Add dried chives, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.

Step 6
~2 min

Stir frequently and reduce the wine mixture by half.

Step 7
~2 min

Return heat to high and add the diced tomatoes with their juice, citrus juice, and the mussels.

Step 8
~2 min

Stir once to coat the mussels in the sauce and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9
~2 min

Boil for 2-3 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.

Step 10
~2 min

Remove from heat and discard any mussels that have not opened.

Step 11
~2 min

Ladle the mussels into serving bowls and pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Step 12
~2 min

Offer pepper at the table for seasoning.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Ensure mussels are tightly closed before cooking; discard any that are open.

Do not overcook the mussels, or they will become rubbery.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Sauce can be made ahead, but cook mussels just before serving.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread

Side salad

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Fries
Garlic Bread
Steamed Asparagus

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Mediterranean

Cultural Significance

Common seafood dish in coastal regions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas Eve (Feast of the Seven Fishes)

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Romantic Dinner
Holiday Appetizer

Popularity Score

65/100

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