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Scottish Mussels with Tomato and Fresh Pesto Sauce

Waitrose

12 April 2010

This simple shellfish starter served with crusty bread is full of flavour and very easy to prepare.Preparation time : 15 minutes Cooking time : 10 minutes Total time : 25 minutes Serves: serves 6 as a starterIngredients1kg rope-grown Scottish mussels from the fish service counter25g butter1 small red onion, finely chopped400g can Waitrose Chopped Italian Tomatoes145g tub fresh Waitrose Green Basil PestoMethod1.Scrub the mussels well in cold water, removing any beards from the base of the shell. Discard those with damaged shells, or open shells that do not close when tapped sharply with a knife.2.Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based pan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and 150ml boiling water and bring to the boil.3.Tip the cleaned mussels into the pan and cover. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan a couple of times until the shells have opened (discard any that remain closed). Using a slotted spoon, remove the mussels and divide between 6 bowls.4.Add half the tub of pesto and a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper to the pan and bring back to the boil. Pour the sauce over the mussels then spoon over the remaining pesto straight from the tub. Serve immediately with a crusty baguette, to mop up the juices.Cook's tipsThe mussels will serve 2 adults as a main course. Until you are ready to cook them, keep the cleaned mussels in a covered bowl in the fridge.