Spaghetti with Mussels and Sea Urchins (Spaghetti con Cozze e Ricci di Mare)
Category: Pasta
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This delightful seafood pasta dish brings together the delicate flavors of mussels and sea urchins, creating an unforgettable coastal meal. The richness of the shellfish is balanced by the lightness of the spaghetti and the freshness of the parsley, making it perfect for a special dinner or a simple yet elegant meal. The combination of white wine, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish’s natural flavors, while the sea urchins add a luxurious touch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 320g |
| Sea Urchins (Ricci di Mare) | 10 |
| Mussels (Cozze) | 400g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40g |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 bunch |
| Garlic Clove | 1 |
| White Pepper | To taste |
| White Wine | 60g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Sea Urchins: Begin by cutting open the sea urchins with a specialized tool. Carefully rinse the area under cold running water to remove any debris. Using a small spoon, scoop out the roe (the orange part) and set it aside. The roe is the prized part of the sea urchin, so handle it gently.
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Cook the Mussels: In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove and sauté it until golden, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic is golden, remove it from the pan.
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Add Mussels: Add the mussels to the skillet and pour in the white wine. Let the mussels cook for a few minutes until they begin to open. As soon as they open, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan, leaving behind the cooking juices.
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Strain the Mussel Juices: Using a fine mesh strainer, filter the mussel juices to remove any grit or shell fragments. Return the filtered juice to the skillet and bring it to a boil, allowing it to reduce slightly.
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Cook the Spaghetti: While the mussels are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
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Combine Pasta and Mussels: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the mussel juices. Add a ladle of the reserved pasta water, stirring frequently to help the sauce coat the pasta. Continue adding water a little at a time, allowing it to be absorbed before adding more.
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Finish the Dish: As the spaghetti finishes cooking in the sauce, remove the mussels from their shells and set them aside. Once the pasta is perfectly coated with the sauce, add the mussels back into the skillet. Stir in the sea urchin roe, a handful of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, garnishing each with additional parsley and a sprinkle of white pepper to taste. Enjoy this coastal-inspired pasta dish with a glass of chilled white wine.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Vitamin C | 12% |
| Calcium | 15% |
| Iron | 25% |
Chef’s Tips
- For a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- If you can’t find fresh sea urchins, they can be substituted with a high-quality sea urchin paste or roe, which is available at specialty seafood markets.
- To make the dish even more luxurious, top it with freshly grated parmesan just before serving.
Enjoy this dish that brings the taste of the sea straight to your table, with the flavors of mussels and sea urchins perfectly complementing each other!
