Mussels with Tomatoes, Wine, and Anise

Succulent mussels steamed in a fragrant Mediterranean sauce of tomatoes, white wine, and anise liqueur, finished with fresh parsley and olive oil. This elegant seafood dish combines classic French and Italian flavors.

4 servings
15 min

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • cups chopped onion
  • 2 pounds mussels
  • 4 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley
  • 4 fillets anchovy fillets
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 6 tablespoons anise-flavored liqueur
  • ½ cup canned tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup dry white wine

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add mussels, 2 tablespoons parsley, anchovies, and garlic, then liqueur; stir to blend. Boil 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and wine. Cover and cook until mussels open, about 6 minutes (discard any mussels that do not open). Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Divide mussels and sauce among 4 shallow bowls. Drizzle mussels with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.

    15 min