Ingredients

The following ingredients have 2 Servings
  • 2 ripe tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove , finely chopped
  • 1 shallot , finely chopped
  • 1 red or green chilli , deseeded and finely chopped
  • small glass dry white wine
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • pinch of sugar
  • 1kg cleaned mussels
  • good handful basil leaves

Instruction

  • Put the tomatoes in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water, leave for 3 mins, then drain and peel. Quarter the tomatoes and scoop out and discard the seeds using a teaspoon. Roughly chop the tomato flesh.
  • Heat the oil in a large pan with a tight- fitting lid. Add the garlic, shallot and chilli, then gently fry for 2-3 mins until softened. Pour in the wine and add the tomatoes, paste, sugar and seasoning (mussels are naturally salty so take care with the salt). Stir well and simmer for 2 mins.
  • Tip in the mussels and give them a stir. Cover tightly and steam for 3-4 mins, shaking the pan halfway through, until the shells have opened.
  • Discard any shells that remain shut, then divide the mussels between two bowls and add the basil leaves. Provide a large bowl for the empty shells.