Portuguese-Style Mussels over Linguine Recipe

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Remove the skin from the sausage and chop into 1/4-1/2 inch pieces. Combine the olive oil and sausage into a large, deep pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
3. When the sausage begins to brown, add the garlic.
4. Cook 1 or 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the tomatoes and 1/4 cup basil.
5. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes are softened. Add the water if you are not using canned tomatoes. Stir, add the mussels, cover, and turn heat to high.
6. Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta until it is al dente.
7. Cook the mussels, shaking the pot occasionally until all the mussels are open, about 10 minutes.
8. Drain the pasta, place in a large serving bowl, and pour the mussels and sauce over the pasta.
9. Garnish and serve.