In this recipe, fresh mussels are served simply in a light sauce, with wine, tomatoes, herbs, garlic and a hint of spice, all evoking the mood of southern Europe. In Portugal, where this recipe comes from, it is known as a 'a hot salad' and is served both as a first course and as a main dish, with a bottle of chilled vinho verde.
1lb(500 g) hake or cod, cut into 5 cm/2 inch pieces
2lb(1 kg) mussels, scrubbed and bearded
7 oz (1 x 200 g) can red peppers, drained and sliced
4 large tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and quartered
2 tablespoons tomato purée
8 tablespoons dry white wine
3 tablespoons fresh white breadcrumbs
#Marinade#
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Large pinch of cayenne
1 garlic dove, crushed (optional)
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
Instructions
To make the marinade, combine all the ingredients in a deep flameproof casserole then add the hake or cod. Cover the casserole and set aside for at least 2 hours so that the fish can absorb the flavours.
Transfer the casserole to a preheated oven, 190°C (375°F), Gas Mark 5, and bake the fish in the marinade for 15 minutes.
Add the mussels, red peppers, tomatoes, tomato purée, wine and breadcrumbs. Stir carefully without breaking up the fish and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, and discard any mussels that have not opened. Serve at once with crusty bread. Portuguese-Mussel-Feast-Recipe-calories-nutrition-low carb