If you’re looking for a dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen, this Mussels with Taranto recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent mussels steamed in a rich, savory broth made with tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes—deliciously aromatic and full of flavor. Served with crusty bread to soak up the juices, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
Whether you’re celebrating a cozy dinner at home or serving it up at a gathering, this is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Mussels with Taranto
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Flavor Explosion: The broth is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and briny flavors. Each mussel is packed with taste, and the sauce is so good, you’ll want to drink it up.
- Quick and Easy: It may sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinner parties.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. You’ll feel like a culinary genius, and your guests will think you’ve spent hours preparing it.
- Healthy and Light: Mussels are low in calories but high in protein, making this dish light and satisfying at the same time.
- Great for Sharing: Mussels are perfect for sharing with friends or family. It’s a communal dish that brings people together.
Ingredients in Mussels with Taranto
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Mediterranean gem:
- Mussels: The star of the show, fresh, tender mussels, steamed to perfection.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic: Fresh, fragrant garlic that’s sautéed to release its aromatic oils.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they make the broth savory and slightly sweet.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of heat.
- White Wine: Helps steam the mussels and adds a bit of brightness to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: To finish the dish with a pop of freshness.
- Crusty Bread: To soak up the flavorful broth.
(Note: Full ingredients with measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this delightful dish:
- Prep the Mussels: Start by cleaning the mussels. Scrub the shells and remove any beards. Discard any mussels that are open and don’t close when tapped.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the red pepper flakes for a little kick and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Broth: Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) and cook for about 5 minutes, letting them break down and create a rich sauce. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer.
- Steam the Mussels: Add the mussels to the pot, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Shake the pot occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish the Dish: Once the mussels are cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley and stir to combine. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
How to Serve Mussels with Taranto
Mussels with Taranto is perfect on its own or paired with a few tasty sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping a warm slice of crusty bread into that rich, flavorful broth.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a fantastic side to complement the mussels.
- Pasta: You can serve the mussels over pasta for a more hearty meal.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Clean the mussels and prepare the aromatics ahead of time to save on cooking time.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken stock.
- Storage Tips: Mussels are best eaten immediately, but any leftover broth can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The mussels themselves should be discarded if they haven’t been eaten.
- Double the Batch: Mussels are easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Just make sure you have a big enough pot!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen mussels?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen mussels, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Fresh is always better, but frozen works in a pinch.
Q2: Can I make this dish without wine?
A2: Absolutely! If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with vegetable or chicken broth.
Q3: How do I know when the mussels are done?
A3: Mussels are cooked when their shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed after cooking.
Q4: Can I add other seafood to this dish?
A4: Yes! Shrimp, clams, or squid would all make great additions to this recipe.
Q5: Can I prepare the broth ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the broth and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just reheat it and add the mussels when ready to serve.
Q6: What can I serve with this dish?
A6: Crusty bread is essential, but you can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Q7: Can I use canned mussels?
A7: While fresh mussels are ideal, canned mussels can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and add them towards the end of cooking.
Q8: How do I store leftover mussels?
A8: Mussels are best eaten fresh, but any leftover broth can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened.
Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: Mussels are best served fresh, but you can prep the broth and ingredients ahead of time. Just add the mussels when you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
Mussels with Taranto is the perfect way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is a winner. Try it out and enjoy the rich flavors—it’s a meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Print
Mussels with Taranto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This traditional Mussels with Taranto recipe combines fresh mussels, ripe cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a flavorful and comforting seafood dish. Simple to prepare yet bursting with Italian flavors, it’s the perfect dish for a date night or any special occasion. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) mussels, cleaned
- 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g (3.5 oz) tomato pulp
- 2 tbsp 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
- Prepare the Mussels: Wash and clean the mussels thoroughly. Remove any beards and scrub the shells.
- Cook the Mussels: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and the cleaned mussels. Cover the pot and cook until the mussels open, about 3-5 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate large pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and chili pepper, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, tomato pulp, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Add the smaller mussels directly to the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Place the larger mussels on top for presentation, sprinkle with parsley, and cover the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley. Pair with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the tomatoes.
- Ensure all mussels are fresh and discard any that remain closed after cooking.
- Adjust the chili pepper to your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 48mg