Roasted Garlic Mussels Marinara

If you like mussels marinara, we think you'll find this version very appetizing.

• Ingredients:
  1. 2 lbs mussels; cleaned
  2. 1 lb Roma tomatoes; sliced into quarters
  3. 4 large garlic cloves; minced
  4. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  5. 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  6. 1 tsp oregano; dry or fresh
  7. 1 tsp thyme; finely chopped
  8. 1 tsp unsalted butter; melted
  9. sea salt & fresh ground black pepper; pinch of each
  10. 1 lemon; sliced in half
  11. 1/2 cup parmesan reggiano cheese
• Directions:
  1. Place tomato quarters on a large baking pan drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, thyme, black pepper & half of the minced garlic.
  2. Place in a preheated 400 degree oven & cook until tender all the way through, approx. 30 minutes.
  3. Once tomatoes are tender place in a large food processor & pulse until smooth.
  4. Remove lid from container and add balsamic vinegar, sea salt & butter, pulse again until smooth.
  5. Place mussels on a large baking pan and bake in a 400 degree preheated oven until all mussels are opened up, approximately 10 minutes.
  6. Once open, remove mussels from oven and drizzle with olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of sea salt & top with remaining minced garlic, cook another 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven & transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  8. Combine mussels & sauce together in the large mixing bowl, toss well until mussels are completely covered in sauce.
  9. Sprinkle with cheese & serve with small pieces of garlic toast as an appetizer in medium size serving bowls.
  10. Enjoy!