In my home, we observe Lent . Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial, for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this 40 day period, we abstain from all meats and prefer eating vegetables, fish and shell-fish. In my home, we always prepare vegetable, fish or shell-fish on Fridays for all meals. Today is not different, and I am trying to decide what to eat for lunch today? It may be a rainy day, albacore or smoked herring salad sandwich for lunch kind of Friday.
Do you know what you are having for dinner tonight?
Here are a few photos from one of my most recent quick and easy seafood dishes that I know you will love.
Farfalle with Mussels and Tilapia Bites
Mussels are probably one of the easiest shellfish to prepare. They are definitely easier than shrimp, prawns, and lobster. Most people believe that because it is a hard, dark shell that the actual fish inside is difficult to prepare. I know I used to think this myself, until I learned that they are easy to cook, but a bit harder to purchase and care for before actual cooking.
Always remember that mussels must be cooked the day they are purchased as the fish are alive until you start the cooking process. They are similar to oysters, clams, because there are no active movements for the eye to see, but if you pick up a mussel you can feel the density and light movement of the fish inside the shell. Besides mussels being one of my favorite shell-fish it is also very easy to cook and take about 7 minutes to cook.
In my recipe, I paired my mussels with farfalle pasta. I prepared my mussels in white wine, stock, salt, pepper, thyme and butter. I tossed in the al dente farfalle and mixed it lightly with the mussels. A few minutes later, I had my dinner, topped it with some pecorino cheese and paired it with some chilled moscato.
(much thanks to www.wikipedia.com)
