MUSSELS IN SAFFRON BROTH

Mussels in Saffron Broth image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 medium onions, peeled and julienne
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
2 12 cups clam juice or fish stock
1 cup tomato sauce
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 teaspoon saffron strands
3 pounds small black mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
1 bunch flat leaf parsley leaves, washed and chopped

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed sauce pan over moderate heat, and add 1/2 the onions, salt and pepper. Saute briskly until slightly golden, about 8 to 10 minutes, and add the garlic. Cook and additional minute, then add the white wine and reduce to half. Add thyme, saffron, clam juice or fish stock, and tomato juice and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook over low heat about 10 minutes. Strain and reserve.
Working in batches or in more than one pan, heat the remaining olive oil over high heat and add the remaining onion. Saute briefly, stirring occasionally, until onions are beginning to color, about 4 minutes. Add mussels to pan, keeping them in 1 layer, and saute 1 to 2 minutes, then add a proportionate amount of broth. Bring to a boil, reduce immediately to a simmer and cook, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until all the mussels are opened. Toss in parsley and serve on shallow soup plates with about a cup of broth per serving.