I love muscles mussels! And I do mean all types. But this has nothing to do with my New Year’s resolution to personally uncover or build more of them. This has to do with one of the best and affordable shellfish out there. Beautiful black and/or greenish shells. When opened the plump yet tender mussels are full of flavor and enhanced by wonderful sauces. So say hello to Linguine with Mussels and Chorizo! Why not take it up a notch?! Easy to cook and easy to eat – sometimes uncontrollably. And always, always serve mussels with fresh baguettes or Italian bread.
Don’t you love it when you see mussels on the menu? “Would you like the red or white sauce, ma’am?” ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite questions because it means I’m not cooking 🙂 and I’m about to eat more seafood. My husband John has nicknamed me “Surf and Surf”. I think it’s funny and my family (haha) sure has caught on…but don’t read too much into it. Literally, I can’t get enough shellfish. So I’m not a cheap date…but at least I’m predictable (and still fun)!
Needless to say, when you want to eat a lot of mussels, it’s a great shellfish to make at home. I frequent Costco’s “traveling road show events”…excellent seafood and selection at a fair price. But call ahead because it usually only happens around holiday weekends.
The presentation of a huge platter of freshly steamed mussels is a real crowd pleaser. Very colorful with the bright tomatoes and fresh basil. And mussels can make a family meal or gathering fun and quite interactive. With the boys, it’s more like a race. The vultures surround the table and hands start moving…watch out! In fact, like any experienced cook, I’ve learned to keep a few aside for myself. 🙂
This recipe was inspired by Marie, an Italian food blogger over at Proud Italian Cook. Her recipe for grilled clams is fabulous! These clams are wonderful by themselves, but I thought, why not try a version of the sauce with mussels and serve it over some delicious linguine? I can serve it as a meal and try to control the vultures! At least for the first serving. Results? My family went crazy. All was gone in a flash. And if it seems like my 2015 is off with a seafood theme, beginning with Shrimp, Avocado, & Spinach Pasta with a Mango Vinaigrette, you are right!
And let me say RIGHT NOW that you cannot make enough of this sauce. There is always leftover bread and pasta and the leftovers will be enjoyed and fought over as much as the meal itself! Fresh garlic, diced onion, chorizo, clam juice, wine, tomatoes, and basil…there is no better combination! See the before and after below?
So shellfish lovers, get ready for a one-of-a-kind meal. Linguine with Mussels and Chorizo – yum! Enjoy the sauce with clams or mussels or frankly almost anything. And don’t be shy about making too much sauce!
If you are interested, check out the pasta made by us here at The Pasta Shoppe. Sorry but regular linguine will not be found! And if you have any fundraising needs, or know someone who does, please check out Fun Pasta Fundraising!
