Mussels, fennel combine to make winning pasta dish

Don’t be intimidated by mussels; they’re easier to prepare than you think, and they make a great weeknight option. The mussels here are cooked in a flavourful broth that becomes a light sauce for the pasta.

The addition of fresh tarragon underscores the anise flavour of the sautéed fennel in the sauce. When cleaning the mussels, throw out any that won’t close or have broken shells. You can substitute 454 g of spaghetti or bucatini for the linguine, if desired.

Bring 16 cups water to boil in large pot. Meanwhile, discard fennel stalks. Halve bulb, core, and chop fine. Chop onion fine. Chop 30 mL tarragon.

Scrub mussels and remove weedy beards protruding from between shells using paring knife.

Heat 30 mL oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add pepper flakes, fennel and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juice and wine, bring to simmer and cook until sauce reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.

While sauce cooks, add pasta and 15 mL salt to boiling water and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve 125 mL cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to pot.

When sauce is reduced slightly, stir mussels into sauce, cover and steam until fully open, 6 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mussels to bowl, discarding any that do not open; cover to keep warm.

Turn off heat, add pasta to sauce, along with tarragon and remaining 15 mL oil and toss to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved cooking water as needed. Season with salt to taste. Divide pasta among individual serving bowls and top with mussels. Serve immediately.

Servings: 4-6