Steamed Mussels with Passata di Pomodoro, Chiles, and Herbs

Name: Steamed Mussels with Passata di Pomodoro, Chiles, and Herbs
Yield: serves 4
Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 16 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup); 4 scallions, thinly sliced on an extreme bias starting at the green ends and moving toward the root ends (white and green parts); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 2 pounds Prince Edward Island mussels or other fresh mussels, scrubbed and beards removed; 1 cup dry white wine; 2 cups Passata di Pomodoro (page 25) or tomato sauce; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 40 chive spears, cut into 2-inch-long batonettes; 1/2 cup fresh oregano leaves; 4 Crostoni Bagnati (page 48)

January 26, 2012

What I like most about this mussels preparation is that they are not simply steamed in white wine, like the vast majority of mussels you see in restaurants. We cook them with a light tomato sauce—and, yes, also white wine—and toss in piles of herbs after the mussels are cooked, so the herbs wilt only slightly. The finished dish manages to be original and familiar at the same time. It also couldn’t be easier to make.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.