Italian parsley

Recipe for mussels in white wine, garlic, and butter sauce served on a bed of pasta, garnished with plenty of Italian parsley:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice (linguine or spaghetti works well)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, plus extra for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Prepare the Mussels:
   • Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing if necessary to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that are open or cracked.
   • Remove the beards by pulling them gently outwards. Rinse the mussels again and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
   • Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer.
4. Cook the Mussels:
   • Add the cleaned mussels to the skillet and cover with a lid.
   • Let the mussels cook for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
   • Season the mussels with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Once the mussels are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the mussels and sauce, along with the chopped Italian parsley. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
   • Gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and the mussels are evenly distributed.
6. Serve:
   • Divide the mussels and pasta among serving plates or bowls.
   • Garnish with additional chopped Italian parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
   • Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your mussels in white wine, garlic, and butter sauce on a bed of pasta!