Description
Mediterranean waves crash with culinary magic in Mussels with Taranto, a soulful Italian seafood experience straight from Puglia’s coastline. Oceanic flavors dance between briny shellfish and rich, aromatic ingredients that transport diners directly to southern Italy’s warm shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) mussels, cleaned
- 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g (3.5 oz) tomato pulp
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing each shell and removing any stringy beards, ensuring they are pristine and ready for cooking.
- Select a spacious pot and warm olive oil over medium heat, introducing minced garlic to release its aromatic essence. Gently add the prepared mussels, covering the pot to create a steamy environment that will coax the shells open within 3-5 minutes.
- Carefully inspect the cooked mussels, discarding any stubborn shells that remain tightly closed, which could indicate spoilage.
- In a separate culinary vessel, ignite another drizzle of olive oil and quickly sauté remaining garlic with fiery chili pepper, creating a fragrant base that will elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- Incorporate vibrant cherry tomatoes and rich tomato pulp into the aromatic mixture, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop depth, reducing heat and covering to concentrate flavors.
- Artfully integrate smaller mussels directly into the robust tomato sauce, stirring to ensure even coating and flavor absorption.
- Arrange larger mussels strategically atop the sauce for an elegant presentation, generously scattering fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness.
- Complete the cooking process by covering the pan, permitting the ingredients to harmonize for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by rustic bread or pasta to soak up the luscious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality mussels with tightly closed shells and minimal odor to ensure the best flavor and safety.
- Thoroughly clean mussels under cold running water, scrubbing shells and removing any stringy beards to prevent gritty textures.
- Test mussel freshness by tapping open shells – if they don’t close when touched, discard them immediately to avoid potential foodborne illness.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili pepper quantity, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
- Consider adding white wine to the tomato sauce for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that complement the seafood beautifully.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or bread.
- Create a dairy-free version by ensuring all ingredients are free from dairy contamination and using fresh herbs as primary seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg