We made this recipe on a whim and let me tell you, it turned out so good! Did you know mussels are packed with protein, omega 3s, iron, zinc, selenium, calcium and more. This meal is pretty simple that can be done with dry, canned ingredients or you can take it up a notch with fresh ingredients and slight alterations. And it takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s a rich, hearty meal and that serves all your carb needs. This isn’t necessarily the healthiest meals but it’s all about balance, right? If you love mollusks aka clams, oysters and mussels, bookmark this recipe.

 —Ingredients—

• 8oz frozen mussels (excess water drained)

• 8oz can of diced tomatoes w/ basil & oregano

• 2 tsp chopped parsley

• 1 rounded tsp minced garlic (can substitute garlic powder)

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 Tbsp flour

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 3/4 cup dry white wine (we chose Sauv Blanc)

—Steps—

• Start with boiling penne pasta el dente with a sprinkle of sea salt. As pasta finishes, drain, and set aside.

• In a separate sauce pan, melt butter over med heat and sauté garlic until golden brown —about 1 ½ minutes.

• Stir in mussels and continue to sauté —about 3 minutes

• Stir in white wine, adding black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Bring to a light boil. Using a spoon or spatula, deglaze any of the mussels or garlic and spices that have stuck to the pan. Continue light boil for 4 minutes while periodically stirring.

• Stir in drained can of diced tomatoes. Reduce heat to simmer and thoroughly stir in flour. Cover pan.

• Stir in 1 tsp of fresh parsley and continue to simmer covered until sauce has thickened.

• Toss sauce with cooked penne pasta.

• Top with the other tsp of fresh parsley for more vibrant color and serve with French rolls or Baguette for dipping.

Xo,

Charlene