Here’s a recipe for Spaghetti with Mussels, a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and delicious.
### Ingredients
– 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
– 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Lemon wedges for serving
### Instructions
1. **Cook the Spaghetti:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Mussels:**
– In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
– Add the mussels to the skillet and pour in the white wine. Cover the skillet and let the mussels cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
– Remove the mussels from the skillet and set aside. If desired, you can remove the mussels from their shells for easier eating, but this is optional.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine:**
– Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Return the mussels to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
– Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and toss again.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve the spaghetti and mussels immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti with Mussels!