Mussels Provencale

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• 2 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes, drained & chopped

• 1 (7 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine or white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsp dried)
• salt & pepper (to taste)
• 24 mussels

Directions

1. 1

   Wash mussels in several changes of cold water; using a sharp knife, remove beards.

2. 2

   Soak mussels for about 30 minutes in cold water containing a handful of salt& a handful of flour.

3. 3

   This will remove any sand inside the mussels.

4. 4

   In heavy saucepan, heat oil; saute garlic, onion& celery until soft but not brown.

5. 5

   Add tomatoes& simmer for about 10 minutes to evaporate the remaining liquid.

6. 6

   Add remaining ingredients (except mussels), cover& simmer for 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Just before serving, add mussels, cover& simmer for 3- 5 minutes to allow the mussels open.

8. 8

   Discard any that don't.