I love, love mussels and I love ordering them as an appetizer or with pasta when we go out to eat. I have been scared to cook them for a longgg time. But not anymore! I feel so fortunate that the folks at the Mussel Industry Council contacted me several months back and asked me if I would like to have some blue mussels to experiment with.
Here's what I learned about mussels from Atlantic Canada:
- They are amazingly inexpensive! I found blue mussels from Atlantic Canada sold at Whole Foods and they are sold in 2 lb bags.
- They are cultured/farmed in the ocean on ropes so there's no disruption or dredging of the ocean floor which makes it environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Blue mussels are harvested year-round which is why they are so affordable.
- They are good for you! They are low in fat, high in protein and Omega 3s.
- They are quick and easy to cook!
I made this Steamed Mussels in White Wine dish for my sisters and brother when we hung for our sibling retreat in November. It turned out fantastic and they all loved it! When I tried mussels at home for myself, I wanted a quick and easy recipe and use olive oil. This dish turned out great and in less than 20 minutes I had it completed.
Serve with butter-garlic bread and dip it in the sauce made from the steaming liquid! It's so good and makes a light dinner! I made this whole pot and ate it all by myself…don't judge, okay?
White Wine and Olive Oil Steamed Mussels
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 lbs Atlantic Canadian mussels, rinsed & scrubbed, if necessary
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a French oven or heavy-bottomed pot on high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds.
- Add mussels, wine, cayenne pepper, parsley and water. Stir with a wooden spoon and cover. Cook 5-7 minutes, until all mussels open. Discard any unopened mussels. Serve immediately with broth.
I love seafood and I always say I could have seafood almost every day of the week. I'm definitely going to cook with blue mussels more this year…I would love to hear about your favorite seafood and/or mussels recipes! Do you have a favorite?
Disclosure: Mussel Industry Council provided me with Atlantic Canadian mussels for this recipe. I received no compensation and all opinions are always my own!
Margo says
I LOVE mussels. Since I live in Denver, they’re hard to come by but now I’m going to Whole Foods! Thanks for sharing.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Julie, mussels take me to my happy place. Mmmm!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I LOVE seafood, but never had mussels before — shocker, I know 😀
TerriAnn says
Would you believe that I’ve never had mussel? I just can’t mentally get past the gooey, blob-type thing. That also means I have never tried oysters or clams. You make everything look good though!
Linda says
Yum, love mussels. So simple but, so satisfying. Just did a post on pizza with mussels.
Eliana says
These look absolutely glorious! My favorite part of eating mussels is dunking some crusty bread in the left over juice 🙂
Beth says
Yum yum yum. I order mussels in restaurants all the time, but I’ve never attempted them at home, and I’m not sure why. They are easy to prepare, and all you need to make a complete meal is a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the steaming liquid!
Russell at Chasing Delicious says
There is something about a gorgeous pot of mussels that I just can’t pass up. I am loving this recipe. Yum!
Jenn @therebelchick says
This recipe looks delicious! I developed an allergy to shellfish after giving birth to my daughter, otherwise, I’d be all over this!
Tickled Red says
Girl! These little beauties are right up my alley 😀 Then again I’m a sucker for anything seafood.
the wicked noodle says
I love cooking with mussels. My favorite part is sopping up the juices with a good bread!
brandi says
i’m the same way. I love mussels, but am so scared to buy them and make them at home 😉 but it sounds so easy!
Julie Deily says
Brandi, it really is! I’m going to make mussels at home more because of that!
Jill Mant~a SaucyCook says
Can’t wait to try this and such a simple and easy recipe. Thanks!
Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says
I LOVE steamed mussels! I don’t make them at home as much as I should. I can’t wait to try this recipe! 🙂
diane and todd says
that looks sooooo good. We can eat an endless supply of mussels, especially if they’re cooked in white wine. 🙂
kyleen says
Sounds so delicious! I imagine this would be fab with a bowl of fettucine alfredo.
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes says
I love this! I recently learned how to prepare mussels myself and was so thrilled – it really is an elegant and lovely dish to serve (and eat). Thanks so much for this gorgeous version!!
marla says
I usually shy away from making mussels too – sounds like I need to change that! This is the best way to serve them!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
Wow! Wow! Wow! These look delicious, Julie. I have only attempted mussels once and I overcooked them. You know how that went over, right?
I need to try them again using your recipe. I know it is perfect!
Jeanette says
I haven’t made mussels in a while, and you just reminded me of how easy they are to prepare. I like to use red pepper flakes, but will have to try cayenne pepper next time.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Mussels is one of those things that we don’t think to make at home, who knew it was so easy!
Paula- bell'alimento says
I absolutely adore mussels.. the more the merrier!
Wenderly says
I am not a mussel fan, however this looks mighty fine! Think I may have just walked on over to the mussel side. 🙂
kitchenvoyage says
Thank for share this classic recipe. People used to have mussels only at restaurant but will be great if families start to cook more mussels at home, they are rich in protein 10,8g x 100g and iron (4,5g x 100g). Ideal for anaemic pepole
Lauren says
Easy and delicious!!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
oh i love this one! We are big mussel fans!
BusyWorkingMama says
Yumminess!! I’ve always wanted to make mussels – great recipe!
Leslie says
How nice to get sent all of the beautiful mussels!!!! Beautiful dish
Kavi @ Lab to Fab! says
I love mussels, but have only had them at restaurants. Who knew they were so easy to make! Looks delicious. And no judgement that you ate the entire pot… I’d have done the same!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Those look absolutely delicious and your pictures are amazing.
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
I have never had mussels but now I really want to try making them, these look awesome!
Bunkycooks says
Mr. B is a huge fan of mussels and would love this dish!
Bev Weidner says
I LOOOOOOOOOO—–OOOOOO—–OOOOOOVE mussels.
I love them.
And this post.
And mussels.
Cookbook Queen says
So gorgeous and impressive…I can’t believe it was so easy to prepare!! Very cool.