Spicy Steamed Mussels with Garlic Toast

 

Ingredients

 2 pounds Saltspring Island Mussels

3 tbsp olive oil

4 slices peasant bread

1 whole garlic plus 15 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

4 scallions, thinly sliced on a diagonal

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups tomato puree

1 cup white wine

2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 handful fresh chive stems

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, torn

1/2 cup fresh oregano

 

How to:

Step 1

Brush 1 tsp olive oil on each slice of bread, toast til brown and crisp.  Rub both sides with whole garlic, cut bread on diagtonal.

Step 2

Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add garlic, onions and salt, cook until slightly coloured, ~5 minutes.  Add mussels, tomato puree, wine & pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and cook until mussels open, 1-2 minutes.  

Step 3

Uncover pan and add herbs, toss to combine.  Discard any mussels that don't open.  Divide mussels among 4 bowls and spoon broth over them.  Serve with toast.

Recipe source: Epicurious