Apulian-style Moules à la Marinière

Ingredients

In this Apulian adaptation, the traditional French recipe for Moules à la Marinière is enhanced with the addition of tomatoes and chili flakes, which are characteristic ingredients of Apulian cuisine. These additions infuse the dish with a touch of Mediterranean warmth and spice, elevating the flavors to create a unique and delightful culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Moules à la marinière, so you can check it out.

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) fresh mussels 2 kg (4.4 lbs) fresh mussels
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato passata 1 cup (240 ml) tomato passata
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mussels thoroughly, removing any beards and discarding any open or damaged ones.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the tomato passata and chili flakes to the pot, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Gently place the cleaned mussels into the pot and cover with a lid. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the mussels and give them a gentle stir.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and discard any mussels that have not opened.
8. 8.
   Serve the Apulian-style Moules à la Marinière in deep bowls, with plenty of the flavorful sauce. Enjoy with crusty Apulian bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and alive before cooking. Discard any mussels with broken shells or that do not close when tapped. Scrub the shells and remove the beards before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a good quality dry white wine for the best flavor.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of acidity.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.
• Make sure to have plenty of crusty bread on hand to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Enjoy this dish with a glass of chilled white wine to complement the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Apulian-style Moules à la Marinière in deep bowls, allowing guests to enjoy the mussels and sauce together. Provide a side of crusty Apulian bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the mussels with their shells facing upward to showcase their vibrant colors. Pair the dish with a glass of white wine to enhance the visual appeal.