Originally this recipe came from Taste but over the times of making it in our nest it has been changed slightly. It is a fairly healthy, delicious meal for the whole family. Our toddler-bird loves popping open the mussels (and I am all for any food which she finds fun!)

Delicious mussels
Photo: Mark O’Meera

You will need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 small red chillies, deseeded, finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1kg tomatoes, finely chopped
1 small can of tomatoes
1 lemon, rind finely grated & juiced
2 teaspoons caster sugar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1kg mussels, without their hairy beards
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon thyme, roughly chopped
hot crusty bread, to serve

To make:

1. Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and chilli. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until onion is soft. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add tomatoes, lemon rind, lemon juice, sugar and wine to pan. Stir until well combined. Increase heat to high. Bring sauce to the boil. Reduce heat to medium. Add thyme. Simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until thick. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add mussels to saucepan. Cover and cook, shaking pan occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mussel shells open. Discard unopened shells. Ladle sauce and mussels into bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with bread.

We guarantee this will become a favourite in your nest as well!