Emily'S Mussels In Wine
Emily's Mussels in Wine is a flavorful seafood dish featuring tender mussels cooked in a rich tomato and white wine broth, accented with basil and garlic. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, it pairs well with crusty bread and fresh salad, making it ideal for seafood lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub the mussels with a stiff brush under running cold water to remove sand or beards.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepot, heat the oil over medium heat and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until tender.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes with their liquid, white wine, and basil.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Add the cleaned mussels and heat to boiling again. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mussels open, about 5 minutes.
- Serve the mussels with bread and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh mussels and ensure they are tightly closed before cooking. If you can't find dry white wine, a splash of vermouth or even chicken broth can work as a substitute. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. To enhance the dish, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mussels hot in their broth, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. A light salad or a simple pasta, such as Pasta With Bay Scallops, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving with a chilled white wine or a light beer.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover mussels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of white wine or broth to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emily'S Mussels In Wine contains roughly 257 calories, with 14g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the mussels are fresh?
Fresh mussels should be tightly closed or close when tapped. Discard any that remain open or have broken shells. It's also important to buy them from a reputable source to ensure quality.
Can I use frozen mussels for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mussels, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. They may not have the same texture as fresh mussels, but they will still absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a similar acidity to balance the dish. Vinegar can also be a viable option, but use it sparingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).