Mussels Marinara Recipe (Cozze alla Marinara)
A classic Italian appetizer, Mussels Marinara (Cozze alla Marinara) combines the briny freshness of mussels with a simple yet aromatic mix of olive oil, garlic, parsley, and white wine. This dish is perfect as a starter for a seafood feast or served with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.
Servings
4 people
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels | 5 kg |
| Garlic (cloves) | 2 |
| Fresh Parsley (bunch) | 1 |
| White Wine | 50 ml |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 5 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by thoroughly cleaning the mussels. Remove the beard (the fibrous threads sticking out from the shells) and scrape off any debris or barnacles from the shells. Rinse the mussels well under cold running water to remove any remaining impurities. If needed, refer to our detailed guide on how to clean mussels. |
| 2 | In a large non-stick skillet or deep pan, heat 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves, lightly crushed, and sauté them until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. |
| 3 | Increase the heat to high and add the cleaned mussels to the pan. Stir gently to coat the mussels with the garlic-infused oil. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the mussels to begin opening. |
| 4 | Once the mussels start to open, pour in 50 ml of white wine. Allow the wine to evaporate slightly as it melds with the mussels’ natural juices to create a flavorful broth. |
| 5 | Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the mussels, then cover the pan again. Let the mussels cook for a few more minutes until all the shells have fully opened and the broth is well-flavored. Discard any mussels that remain closed. |
| 6 | Serve the Mussels Marinara immediately in a large serving dish. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, and enjoy this delightful appetizer warm. |
Tips for Success
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest mussels you can find for the best flavor. Always check that the mussels are alive before cooking by ensuring their shells are tightly closed or close when tapped.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra touch, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the oil along with the garlic for a subtle heat.
- Serve Immediately: Mussels are best enjoyed right after cooking, as they lose their flavor and texture if reheated.
This Mussels Marinara recipe is a perfect example of Italian simplicity at its finest. Buon appetito!
