Andrea Reusing's Pan-Seared Mussels With Tomatoes, Chilies, and Mint

If you're on the hunt for an appetizer that will impress, look no further than these quick and easy pan-seared mussels. Tuttorosso's vine-ripened Peeled Plum Italian Style Tomatoes pair beautifully with fresh mint and fiery chilies in this elegant dish. Forget your spoon and use the mussel shells to scoop every last bit of the boldly flavorful broth.

For more recipes, visit TuttorossoTomatoes.com

Pan-seared Mussels with Tomatoes, Chilies, and Mint

Serves 2-4, as an appetizer

Ingredients:

• 4 whole Tuttorosso Peeled Plum Italian StyleTomatoes finely chopped (juice and remaining tomatoes reserved for another purpose)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 3 whole dried arbol chilies, broken into pieces if more heat is desired
• 2 pounds small mussels (50-60), cleaned
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, torn into small strips

Procedures:
1. In a small bowl, season the Tuttorosso tomatoes with the salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and let sit for at least 20 minutes and up to several hours.

2. Heat a large heavy pan—ideally one large enough to fit the mussels in one layer—over medium-high heat until it's just smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl it to coat. Add the garlic and toss for 10-15 seconds until fragrant, add the chilies and continue to cook until garlic is light golden brown and the chilies are toasted. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until liquid is slightly reduced. Scrape the mixture to a bowl and reserve.

3. Return the pan to the stove and heat over medium high heat. Add remaining oil to the pan and then the mussels, tossing and searing the shells until most mussels are starting to open, about 2 minutes. Add the wine, fish sauce, toss and then add the tomato mixture, continuing to cook. As soon as the mussels are all open, remove from heat and toss in the mint. Serve immediately.