This dish combines two economical ingredients, mussels and pasta, to create an elegant dish. Better yet, mussels are a good source of those heart-heathy omega-3 fats that we should include in our diet weekly. Feel free to substitute a pasta of your choice—whole wheat, bean- or rice-based—and just follow the cooking instructions for al dente.
How to Make It
Cook pasta in boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt for 9 minutes; drain.
Combine mussels and white wine in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cover and cook 7 minutes or until shells open; discard any unopened shells. Line a fine sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth; place over a bowl. Strain cooking liquid through prepared sieve; reserve 2 cups cooking liquid. Remove mussels from shells; keep warm. Discard cheesecloth and shells.
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add pine nuts and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add reserved cooking liquid, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, rind, and juice, stirring well; bring to a simmer. Add pasta to pan; cook 5 minutes or until liquid thickens and coats pasta. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and mussels. Serve immediately.