SERVES 2 TO 4
Occasionally, mussels will have a harmless fibrous piece (known as the beard) protruding from between the shells. To remove it easily, trap the beard between the side of a small paring knife and your thumb and pull to remove it. The flat surface of the knife gives you some leverage to remove the beard. Unopened cooked mussels just need more cooking time. To open them, microwave briefly for 30 seconds or so. Serve mussels with crusty bread to sop up the flavorful broth.
1 |
tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil |
3 |
garlic cloves, minced |
Pinch red pepper flakes |
|
1 |
cup dry white wine |
3 |
sprigs fresh thyme |
2 |
bay leaves |
4 |
pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded |
ΒΌ |
teaspoon salt |
2 |
tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces |
2 |
tablespoons minced fresh parsley |
1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Heat oil, garlic, and pepper flakes in large roasting pan over medium heat; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves and bring to boil. Cook until wine is slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Add mussels and salt. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil and transfer to oven. Cook until most mussels have opened (a few may remain closed), 15 to 18 minutes.
2. Remove pan from oven. Push mussels to sides of pan. Add butter to center and whisk until melted. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves, sprinkle parsley over mussels, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.