Mussels Alla Basil Recipe

Time30m

Serves4

Pan Fried Mussels in Olive Oil, Garlic with Fresh Basil in a White Wine Butter Sauce.

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Ingredients

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1
Clean the Mussels
Rinse the fresh mussels under cold running water. Scrub the shells with a brush to remove any dirt or barnacles. Remove the beards (the fibrous bits) by pulling them off. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
2
Chop the Basil
Stack the fresh basil leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin strips (chiffonade). Set aside.

3
Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
4
Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
5
Add the Mussels
Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the garlic oil.
6
Pour in the White Wine
Add the white wine to the skillet and cover it with a lid. Allow the mussels to steam for about 5-7 minutes until they open up.
7
Add Butter and Season
Once the mussels are open, remove the lid and add the unsalted butter, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine the butter with the sauce and dissolve it.
8
Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the mussels hot in a bowl with the white wine butter sauce poured over them. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh basil.