Catalan Mussels with Cherry Tomatoes and Lemon Emulsion

Catalan-Style Mussels (Cozze alla Catalana)

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Mussels:
   Start by thoroughly rinsing the mussels under cold running water. Use a knife to gently remove any barnacles or debris stuck to the shells. Don’t forget to remove the “beard” (the fibers sticking out from between the shells).

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2. Cooking the Mussels:
   Place the mussels in a large non-stick skillet, ensuring they are evenly spread. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium-high heat. Stir the mussels occasionally to encourage them to open. The cooking process will take about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the mussels, keeping only one shell for each mussel. Set them aside for later.

3. Filtering the Cooking Liquid:
   Pour the water released by the mussels into a separate bowl, straining it through a piece of cheesecloth to remove any impurities. Set this liquid aside as it will add a deep flavor to the dish.

4. Soaking the Red Onion:
   Slice the red onions thinly and place them in a bowl of cold water. Add the white wine vinegar to the bowl and let the onions soak for about 10 minutes to mellow out their sharpness.

5. Preparing the Cherry Tomatoes:
   While the onions soak, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, pat them dry, and remove their stems. Cut each tomato into quarters and place them in a separate bowl. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Set aside.

6. Making the Lemon Emulsion:
   In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon. Add the olive oil and whisk them together using a flat whisk or fork until you achieve a smooth, homogenous emulsion. The dressing should be slightly thickened.

7. Assembling the Dish:
   Now it’s time to plate the dish. Arrange the mussels with their shells facing up, covering the surface of the plate. Evenly distribute the soaked red onions over the mussels, followed by the quartered cherry tomatoes.

8. Final Touch:
   Drizzle the lemon emulsion over the mussels, tomatoes, and onions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a touch of color and freshness to your dish.

Serving Suggestions:

These Catalan-style mussels are best enjoyed either slightly warm or chilled. They make an excellent starter for any Mediterranean-inspired meal or a refreshing appetizer on a hot day. The balance of salty, tangy, and fresh flavors will delight your taste buds and transport you straight to the coastal shores of Catalonia!

Cooking Tips:

• You can also add a splash of white wine to the mussels while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, let them soak for longer than the recommended 10 minutes.
• To enhance the presentation, you can serve the mussels on a platter, garnished with extra basil leaves or edible flowers.