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Savory Mussels with Creamy Cannellini Beans and Tomatoes

savory mussels with creamy cannellini beans and tomatoes - featured image
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A quick and easy savory dish combining fresh mussels with creamy cannellini beans and bright cherry tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 sprigs whole
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Clean the mussels by rinsing under cold running water, scrubbing shells, and removing beards. Discard any open mussels that do not close when tapped. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic. Strip thyme leaves from stems and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté shallot for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until they start to soften.
  6. Add drained cannellini beans and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Pour in vegetable or chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
  8. Gently mash some of the beans with the back of a wooden spoon to create a creamy sauce base, leaving some beans whole for texture (about 2 minutes).
  9. Increase heat to medium-high and nestle cleaned mussels into the sauce. Cover with a tight lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, until all mussels have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
  10. Squeeze lemon juice over the mussels and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or buttered pasta.

Notes

Use fresh mussels for best texture and flavor. Do not overcook mussels to avoid rubbery texture. Gently mash beans for a creamy sauce but leave some whole for texture. Add red pepper flakes for mild heat. Lemon juice brightens and balances the dish. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of stock or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: mussels, cannellini beans, tomatoes, seafood, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy beans, cozy meal, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-mussels-with-creamy-cannellini-beans-and-tomatoes-easy-recipe/