Mussels in Hot Pepper Sauce

2 quarts mussels
1-2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped onion
6 oz. tomato paste
2 1/2 cups liquid from the mussels
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp (or to taste) crushed red pepper flakes, crushed

Rinse mussels in colander several times with cold water and scrub with a stiff brush to remove sand. Place mussels in pan with 1-2 cups water; steam until open. Reserve the liquid, add enough water to make 2 1/2 cups liquid and set aside. Heat oil. Sauté garlic and onion. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes. Put mussels, in their shells, in a shallow baking dish. Cover with sauce. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes. Serve on the half-shell. Note: It might be necessary to strain the reserved broth.

From: Mrs. K. B. Mellon in Three Rivers Cookbook II