Mint Pesto-Stuffed Mussels

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1/4 cup pine nuts
2. 2 small garlic cloves
3. Salt
4. 2 cups mint leaves, plus mint sprigs, for garnish
5. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
6. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
7. Freshly ground pepper
8. 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
9. 1/2 cup dry white wine

1. In a food processor, mince the pine nuts with the garlic and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the 2 cups of mint and the parsley and pulse until the leaves are coarsely chopped, scraping down the side of the bowl once or twice. With the machine on, gradually add the olive oil and process until a coarse paste forms. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a large pot, combine the mussels and wine. Cover the pot tightly and cook over high heat; as the mussels open, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl. Let cool slightly.
3. Discard 1 shell from each mussel and loosen the meat in the remaining shell. Set the mussels on the half shell on a baking sheet. Lift each mussel and stuff 1/2 teaspoon of pesto under it, then lightly press the mussel back in place.
4. Bake the mussels for about 10 minutes, or until they're hot to the touch and the pesto begins to bubble. Serve the mussels on plates or on a platter lined with mint sprigs.