STEAMED MUSSELS WITH WINE, PARSLEY & GARLIC

Pair with Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc

Ingredients

3-1/2 to 4 pound mussels
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 shallots, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1-1/2 cups dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or any other crisp, white wine
3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Good-quality crusty bread, sliced or torn into pieces, for serving

Directions

Rinse the mussels well under cold water. Pick them over, pulling off any beards and discarding any mussels that are broken or gaping open.

In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant and soft but not colored, 3-5 minutes.

Add the mussels, wine, and half of the parsley. Increase the heat to high, and cover the pan. After 2 minutes, remove the lid and toss the mussels well with a large spoon. Cover the pot again and cook until the mussels have opened wide, another 3-4 minutes.

Add the remaining parsley, give the mussels a final toss, and divide the mussels and the broth among bowls. Serve the bread alongside.