Mussels Scampi with Peppadews

Ben and I were first introduced to mussels while honey mooning in France. We fell in love with this tasty mollusk and have been incorporating them into our weekend dinners ever since. This super simple dish feels like a gourmet recipe but is healthy, decadent, and cost effective.

When possible, try to buy live mussels. These are the freshest and cook in just a few minutes. You can also find frozen, fully cooked mussels which can do in a pinch as well. Regardless of using fresh or frozen mussels, make sure you discard any closed shells once cooked as these were dead prior to cooking and are not safe to eat. Mussels should smell briny and like the ocean.

Mussels Scampi with Peppadews

Queen Bee Meg

Love Shrimp Scampi? You'll love this fresh spin on an Italian classic! Peppadew peppers offer a sweet and citrusy pop of flavor, while the mussels give this pasta dish a decadent vibe.

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Pasta, Seafood

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb mussels, fresh if possible (frozen can work was well)
• 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup peppadew peppers, sliced thinly
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Better than Boullion chicken base (or two cube chicken boullion)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 lb fettuccine noodles
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add mussels and cook for four to five minutes until shells open. Discard any unopened shells. Set mussels aside. (If you are using frozen, precooked mussles, refer to the package directions on cooking recommendations.)
• Empty pot and fill with fresh, salted water. Bring to a boil and then cook noodles according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and set drained noodles aside.
• In a skillet over medium heat, add butter and once melted, add garlic. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add white wine and boullion. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 2-3 minutes. (This helps mellow the alcohol flavor of the white wine.)
• Add vinegar, lemon juice, pasta water, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, and peppadews. Stir until well combined and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Add mussels and toss to ensure mussels are well submerged in broth. Put noodles in individual bowls and ladle broth with mussels into bowls. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Serve hot!

Keyword Mussels, scampi