This Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo recipe brings a taste of the sea right to your dining table. Prepare to be captivated by the blend of flavors from fresh mussels, spicy red pepper, and savory marinara sauce. The aroma of the garlic and shallots sautéing in olive oil will fill your kitchen, making this dish not just a meal but an experience. Pair with a slice of whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Live mussels and dry white wine may be the ingredients you need to look for during your supermarket run. Mussels, being seafood, are usually found in the fish aisle or seafood counter. As for the dry white wine, it's typically in the alcohol aisle. Choose a wine you'd actually drink, as the flavor will concentrate as it cooks. If you're unsure, Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice for this recipe.
Ingredients for Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo
Marinara sauce: This tomato sauce forms the base of the dish, providing a tangy counterpoint to the briny mussels.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich and fruity flavor.
Shallot: Provides a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic: Gives the dish a spicy, robust flavor.
Red pepper: Adds a punch of heat to the dish.
Dry white wine: Enhances the flavor of the mussels and provides acidity.
Live mussels: The star ingredient of this dish, they add a unique taste of the sea.
Parsley: Used for garnish, it adds a fresh, herbal touch.
Whole wheat bread: Perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce left in the plate.
One reader, Cass Kidd says:
This quick mussels fra diavolo recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are bold and the mussels are perfectly cooked. The spicy kick from the red pepper and the richness of the marinara sauce make for an unforgettable dish. Plus, it's so easy to make! Highly recommend trying it out.
Techniques Required for Making Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo
How to prepare the mussels: Ensure the mussels are cleaned and debearded before cooking to remove any sand or grit.
How to discard unopened mussels: After cooking, discard any mussels that do not open as they may not be safe to eat.
How to serve with crusty bread: Provide a side of warm, crusty whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious fra diavolo sauce.
How To Make Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo
Mussels fra diavolo is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up to satisfy those seafood cravings. It has a spicy marinara and white wine sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 25¼ozmarinara sauce
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ¼cupshallot,minced
- 2clovesgarlic,thinly sliced
- 1tspred pepper,crushed
- ¾cupdry white wine
- 3lbslive mussels,(48 to 50 pcs), scrubbed and debearded
- 2tbspparsley,chopped for garnish
- whole wheat bread,crusty for serving, optional
Instructions
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In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.
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Add the shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the wine and boil for about 3 minutes, until reduced by half.
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Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in the mussels, cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the mussels open; discard any mussels that do not open.
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Season lightly with salt, then transfer the mussels and sauce to a platter.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve right away with crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Calories: 304.41kcal
- Fat: 9.12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.48g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.22g
- Carbohydrates: 19.68g
- Fiber: 2.43g
- Sugar: 7.41g
- Protein: 28.96g
- Cholesterol: 65.89mg
- Sodium: 1151.74mg
- Calcium: 99.91mg
- Potassium: 1161.61mg
- Iron: 10.16mg
- Vitamin A: 154.38µg
- Vitamin C: 23.72mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo
When cleaning your mussels, it's important to give them a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Also, remember to discard any mussels that are already open before cooking, as these are likely dead and could potentially make you sick. For the best flavor, use a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich and complex flavor that complements the mussels perfectly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mussels Fra Diavolo
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the sauce in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use frozen mussels: Opt for pre-cleaned and frozen mussels to skip the cleaning and debearding process, saving time and effort.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large, deep skillet or pot to cook the mussels and sauce together, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Quick simmer: Simmer the mussels just until they open, as overcooking can result in tough and rubbery texture.
Quality ingredients: Select high-quality marinara sauce and fresh mussels for a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Efficient multitasking: While the mussels are cooking, prepare the garnishes and set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo Recipe
marinara sauce - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning: Canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning can provide a similar flavor profile to marinara sauce and can be used as a base for the dish.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
shallot - Substitute with onion: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar flavor and texture to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
red pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can be used to add heat and spice to the dish, similar to red pepper.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for dry white wine, providing depth of flavor to the dish.
live mussels - Substitute with clams: Clams can be used as a substitute for mussels, providing a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a fresh herbaceous flavor to the dish.
whole wheat bread - Substitute with baguette: Baguette can be used as a substitute for whole wheat bread, providing a crusty and hearty accompaniment to the mussels fra diavolo.
Best Way to Present Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo
Elevate the plating: Arrange the mussels in a visually appealing manner on the platter, ensuring they are evenly distributed and the sauce is drizzled artistically around them.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Serve with artisanal whole wheat bread: Toast the whole wheat bread and arrange it in a rustic manner on the side of the platter, adding a touch of warmth and texture to the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the mussels fra diavolo in sophisticated, high-quality serving dishes that complement the vibrant colors of the dish.
Incorporate a touch of flair: Consider adding a subtle sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the mussels for a hint of heat and a visually striking element.
Essential Tools for Making Mussels Fra Diavolo
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Olive oil: A liquid fat obtained from olives, commonly used in cooking and as a dressing for salads.
- Shallot: A type of onion with a mild flavor, often used in cooking for its delicate taste.
- Garlic: A pungent, flavorful bulb used to add depth and aroma to dishes.
- Red pepper: A spice made from dried and ground red chili peppers, adding heat and flavor to the dish.
- Dry white wine: A type of wine that is not sweet, often used in cooking to add acidity and flavor to dishes.
- Live mussels: Fresh mussels that are still alive, commonly used in seafood dishes for their delicate flavor.
- Parsley: A versatile herb used to add color and flavor to dishes.
- Whole wheat bread: Bread made from whole wheat flour, often served as an accompaniment to dishes.
Storing and Freezing Mussels Fra Diavolo
- Let the mussels cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled mussels and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the mussels in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed mussels and sauce in a saucepan and heat gently over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook the mussels as they can become tough and rubbery.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of white wine or water to thin it out.
- Serve the reheated mussels hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce.
How To Reheat Leftover Mussels Fra Diavolo
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover mussels fra diavolo to a large saucepan or pot. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan to help steam the mussels and prevent them from drying out. Cover the pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mussels are heated through and the sauce is simmering. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover mussels fra diavolo to an oven-safe dish, such as a casserole dish or a large baking pan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the mussels from drying out. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mussels are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover mussels fra diavolo to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner uncovered to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, then stir the mussels and sauce. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mussels are heated through and the sauce is hot. Be careful not to overcook the mussels, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to discard any mussels that do not open during the reheating process, as they may not be safe to eat. Serve the reheated mussels fra diavolo with fresh, crusty bread for dipping in the spicy tomato sauce.
Interesting Fact About Mussels Fra Diavolo
The mussels fra diavolo recipe is a classic Italian dish that is known for its spicy and flavorful marinara sauce. It is traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Mussels are a great source of lean protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. This recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner, as it comes together in just a few simple steps. Enjoying mussels fra diavolo with friends and family is a great way to savor good food and good company.
Is Making Mussels Fra Diavolo at Home Cost-Effective?
This mussels fra diavolo recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as mussels and marinara sauce, are relatively affordable and easy to find. The addition of white wine may slightly increase the cost, but it's a worthwhile investment for the flavor it adds. Overall, this dish offers a great balance of cost and quality. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate it an 8 for its affordability and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly yet impressive meal.
Is This Mussels Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The quick mussels fra diavolo recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its use of nutrient-rich ingredients like mussels, marinara sauce, and whole wheat bread. Mussels are an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. The marinara sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. However, the recipe does contain some elements that could be improved to make it even healthier.
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used to sauté the shallot, garlic, and red pepper, as it adds extra calories and fat to the dish. Instead, consider using a non-stick pan or a small amount of cooking spray.
- Opt for a low-sodium marinara sauce to help reduce the overall sodium content of the recipe. Alternatively, make your own marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices, allowing you to control the amount of salt added.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. This will boost the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Choose a whole wheat bread that is high in fiber and low in added sugars to complement the meal. Alternatively, serve the mussels over a bed of whole grain pasta or quinoa for a more substantial and nutrient-dense option.
Editor's Opinion on This Mussels Fra Diavolo Recipe
This quick mussels fra diavolo recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinara sauce, white wine, and red pepper create a rich and spicy base for the mussels, while the shallots and garlic add depth to the dish. The addition of parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note, and serving it with crusty bread is a perfect way to soak up the delicious sauce. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a quick and impressive seafood dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Why trust this Quick Mussels Fra Diavolo Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, featuring the freshest mussels cooked to perfection in a zesty fra diavolo sauce. The combination of marinara sauce and dry white wine creates a rich and flavorful base, while the addition of shallots and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. The use of extra virgin olive oil ensures a delicate and fruity undertone, complementing the brininess of the mussels. With a touch of red pepper for a subtle kick and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, this recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience.
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