30-Minute Steamed Mussels and Artichokes

Prep: 20 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmediumItalian
Steamed Mussels and Artichokes with Hazelnut Gremolata

A sophisticated seafood dish featuring tender mussels and artichoke hearts steamed in a fragrant broth of white wine, chicken stock, and smoked paprika. The aromatic base of carrots, shallots, and garlic creates a flavorful foundation, while the hazelnut gremolata adds a bright, nutty finish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Perfect for an elegant dinner party or special occasion meal, this dish combines Mediterranean flavors with a unique twist on traditional gremolata.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup carrots, thin diagonally sliced
  • ½ cup shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken stock
    vegetable stock1:1vegetarian

    for vegetarian version

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup dry white wine
    additional chicken stock1:1alcohol-free

    for alcohol-free version

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 pound mussels, scrubbed
  • 9 ounce frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
  • cup hazelnuts, finely chopped
    pine nuts1:1nut

    classic gremolata variation

    Full guide →
  • cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon, grated peel
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in large deep skillet on medium heat

  2. 2

    Add carrots, shallots, garlic, smoked paprika and bay leaves and cook and stir until fragrant

  3. 3

    Stir in stock, wine and sea salt and bring to boil, stirring occasionally

  4. 4

    Stir in mussels and artichoke hearts and cover

  5. 5

    Cook until mussels open and artichokes are tender-crisp, discarding any mussels that do not open

  6. 6

    Remove bay leaves before serving

  7. 7

    Toast hazelnuts in small skillet on medium heat, stirring often

  8. 8

    Transfer nuts to small bowl and add remaining gremolata ingredients, mix well

  9. 9

    Ladle mussels, vegetables and broth into soup bowls

  10. 10

    Sprinkle with hazelnut gremolata and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking as they may be unsafe to eat.

Tip 2

Toast the hazelnuts until fragrant and lightly golden for the best flavor in the gremolata.

Tip 3

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Good to Know

Storage

Best served immediately while mussels are hot and fresh

Make Ahead

Gremolata can be made up to 2 hours ahead and stored covered

Serve With

Serve immediately in warmed bowls with crusty bread

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook mussels to avoid tough, rubbery texture

Watch

Always discard unopened mussels to avoid food safety issues

Substitutions

chicken stock
vegetable stock1:1vegetarian

for vegetarian version

Full guide →
hazelnuts
pine nuts1:1nut

classic gremolata variation

Full guide →
frozen artichokes
fresh artichoke hearts1:1fresh

cook slightly longer

white wine
additional chicken stock1:1alcohol-free

for alcohol-free version

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh mussels instead of farm-raised?

Yes, wild mussels work well but may need extra cleaning to remove sand and debris before cooking.

What if I don't have white wine?

Substitute with additional chicken stock or use dry vermouth for similar flavor complexity.

How long do leftover mussels keep?

Cooked mussels should be consumed within 24 hours when refrigerated and should not be reheated.