Mussels Italiano

Aaron bought mussels at Costco yesterday, so I found a recipe that I tweaked. Preparing the mussels is the biggest task. Toss any mussels that are cracked. After they are cleaned and debearded it goes pretty fast. Everyone loved this.

Mussels Italiano

• 2 1/2 lbs mussels
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 c. celery, chopped
• 1/4 c. onions, minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 c water

1. Wash mussels in cold water; using a small knife, remove beards.
   
2. Melt butter in a medium sized pot; saute celery and onions til clear.
3. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
4. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper and cook until tomato is soft.
5. Add water and bring to a slow boil.
6. Add mussels, cover and steam for 6- 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until mussels are open.
7. Discard any that don't open.
8. Divide into serving bowls and cover with broth.