Mussels over Linguine, Portuguese Style

Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this steamed mussel and pasta recipe that promises a culinary experience you won’t forget. Combining the goodness of succulent mussels, savory sausage, and fresh tomatoes, this dish creates a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible. The briny essence of the steamed mussels beautifully complements the richness of the linguiça, Spanish chorizo, or kielbasa, making it a match made in culinary heaven. The addition of chopped basil adds a burst of freshness, elevating the dish to a whole new level. With a cooking time of just 45 minutes, this recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to serve this dish with plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delectable sauce.

MAKES: 6 servings

TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt
• 1/2 to 1 pound linguiça, Spanish chorizo, or kielbasa
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 or 5 plum tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped (canned tomatoes can also be used, including the juices)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
• About 3 pounds mussels, cleaned
• 1 1/2 pounds linguine, spaghetti, or other long pasta

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt to it. This salted water will be used to cook the pasta later.
2. Remove the skin from the linguiça, Spanish chorizo, or kielbasa and chop it into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces. In a large, deep pot over medium heat, combine the olive oil and the sausage. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
3. Add the chopped garlic to the pot and continue cooking for 1 or 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the roughly chopped plum tomatoes and 1/4 cup of chopped basil. Cook for a minute or two, stirring, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. If using fresh tomatoes, add 1/2 cup of water to the pot. Stir, and then add the cleaned mussels. Cover the pot and raise the heat to high.
5. While the mussels are cooking, add the linguine, spaghetti, or your chosen long pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta until it reaches a tender but not mushy texture.
6. Continue to cook the mussels, occasionally shaking the pot, until all of them open up, which should take about 10 minutes.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a very large serving bowl. Pour the steamed mussels and their flavorful sauce over the pasta.
8. Garnish the dish with more chopped basil, and serve immediately. Ensure to have plenty of crusty bread on hand to savor the delectable sauce.

TIPS:

• For a spicier kick, opt for Spanish chorizo or a hotter variety of linguiça.
• Ensure that the mussels are thoroughly cleaned before cooking to remove any debris or sand.

This steamed mussel and pasta dish offers a symphony of flavors that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. The combination of tender mussels, savory sausage, and juicy tomatoes makes for a rich and satisfying meal that will impress both family and guests alike. With its quick preparation time and a harmonious blend of ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for seafood and pasta enthusiasts.