From the restaurant to the home

I was recently in France, and while there was lucky enough to have some delicious seafood.

Mussels, to be more precise.

To some people who know me well this might come as somewhat of a shock.  You see, when I was younger than I am now I was not the biggest fan of seafood (my suspicion is that being raised in a landlocked province didn't help).  With time, however, I have learned that fish is delicious, and find myself cooking it at least once a week.

But anyway.....mussels.

The mussels I had in France were delicious.  They were simply steamed until they opened, and then finished with lots of herbs and butter (of course they were....we were in France).  The mussels I decided to make for myself at home, however, were a touch lighter and had a bit of Italian flair.....

Ingredients
-2 lbs fresh mussels (rinsed, beards removed)
-1 tbsp olive oil
-1 cup sliced yellow onion
-1 cup sliced fennel
-1 clove minced garlic
-2 or 3 tomatoes, chopped
-pinch of red pepper flakes
-lemon zest
-1 cup dry white wine

1) In a large saucepan (that had a tight fitting lid), saute the onions and fennel in olive oil until soft (about 5 minutes).  Add garlic, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest and cook for another 1-2 minutes (until fragrant).

2) Add wine.  Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add mussels.  Cover and steam until they are all open.

Serve with salad, bread, and the remaining wine.  Simple and delicious!