This dish will awaken, literally, all of your senses: from the sound of the shells battering against the heavy cooking pot, to the smell of the minced garlic combined with the green onion that tickle your nose, to the irresistible sight of a well presented meal into a large white dish, to the messiness of using your hands while enjoying every bite, all the way to, of course, the totally satisfying taste of ingredients that have been so carefully selected!
My recipe is the simplest of all: few, but well combined ingredients, a couple of make-ahead steps (if you need them), a short prep time, and you’re ready to cook!
A pound or two of mussels is not an out-of-reach expense; depending on where you live, cultivated mussels can vary from $4 to $7 per pound, making them an affordable and delicious seafood choice.
Next time you’re cooking for a a couple of friends, consider this Spaghetti & Garlic Mussels recipe. You’ll impress your guests (and yourself!) while you’ll be spending little, both time-wise and money-wise!
Just make sure to have some fresh bread for the little sauce that will remain in the bottom of your plate!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and beard taken off
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 green onions, chopped, white part only
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 pound spaghetti
- salt & pepper
- Flat leaf parsley, minced & freshly ground pepper for serving
1. In a large pot with heavy bottom, heat the oil, add the green onions, and cook until golden.
2. Add the mussels and continue stirring.
3. Add the garlic and cook for only a few seconds.
4. Add the wine, salt and pepper generously and let simmer for about 10-13 minutes, until shells are open, and mussels are cooked. Discard the mussels that did not open.
5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in another pot, according to package instructions. When cooked, drain and add to the mussels pot. Toss gently over low heat until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Transfer into a large platter, add some freshly grounded pepper and sprinkle with parsley.
You can prepare ahead of time up to step 4, and simply reheat the mussels while the spaghetti is cooking.
