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
Units
Scale
- 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