Steamed Mussels

[MagStepr]

This is a favorite of mine. I guess the bread and butter don't really make it a healthy recipe but it sure tastes good!

Steamed Mussels
3-4 pounds mussels
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup chicken broth
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 large tomato, cut in large dice
½ cup parsley, roughly chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Bread for serving

Rinse the mussels under cold running water while scrubbing with a vegetable brush. Discard any with broken shells. Heat oil in a large stockpot. Sauté the onion, garlic and thyme to create a base flavor. Add the mussels and give them a good toss. Add wine, lemon juice, chicken broth and red pepper flakes; cover the pot and steam over medium-high for approx. 5 minutes until the mussels open. Toss in the tomato, parsley, green onions, and butter, recover the pot, and steam for about a minute to soften. The tomatoes should keep their shape. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with plenty of French or garlic bread to scoop up the broth.