Mussels with Sambuca

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#85583

Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavored liqueur that pairs well with tomatoes in cooking. The mussels are steamed in the tomato-sambuca broth which imparts the flavor to them as well.

serves/makes:

ready in:
under 30 minutes

2 reviews

ingredients

20 large mussels, cleaned and scrubbed
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
2 fresh sweet basil leaves, cut in chiffonade
1/2 teaspoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 pinch crushed red chili pepper
2 tablespoons anisette (or brand name Sambuca)
1 cup fresh tomato sauce
3/4 cup fish stock (or clam juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
salt and fresh ground black pepper

directions

Add the olive oil to a saute pan over medium-high heat. Just before it starts smoking toss in the garlic. Just as it starts to turn golden brown (this will happen in a matter of seconds) add the mussels and toss to combine.

Next, season the pan with salt and pepper along with the red chile pepper. Toss again, then take the pan away from the heat and pour in the Anisette. Place the pan back on the stove and let the Anisette ignite. Be careful here...enjoy the meal and don't burn yourself. Let the alcohol from the liquor burn off then proceed to add the tomato sauce and fish stock.

Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until the mussel shells open, about 2 minutes. Remove the cover and add the basil and parsley, then swirl in the butter. Remove the mussels from the heat and transfer to a large bowl. Serve.

added by

internationalrecipes

nutrition data

406 calories, 23 grams fat, 21 grams carbohydrates, 21 grams protein per serving.

reviews & comments

Peggy REVIEW:
January 7, 2014

Loved the sauce was wonderful
Valerie REVIEW:
July 15, 2011

We reviewed this recipe for National Anisette Day and LOVED it! I mean LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! The flavor was incredible.