Fresh Mussel Oil Pasta
Fresh Mussel Oil Pasta
How to Make Delicious Mussel Oil Pasta
A clean and refreshing oil pasta made with nothing but the finest mussels. The pure, savory flavor of the mussels shines through, complemented by fragrant garlic and a hint of spicy chili. This dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, bringing a taste of the sea right to your table.
Pasta Ingredients- Spaghetti 160g
- 30 Fresh Mussels (cleaned and de-bearded)
- 1/2 Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Dried Red Chilies (peperoncino, adjust to taste)
- 6 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
- 5 Tbsp Dry White Wine
- 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking spaghetti)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- Pinch of Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Salt (for boiling pasta)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside. This starchy water will be essential for creating a luscious sauce.
Step 2
Prepare the aromatic base for your pasta. Finely chop the onion. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. If using whole dried red chilies (peperoncino), you can crush them slightly with your hands or mince them to release their heat.
Step 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, chopped onion, and crushed red chilies. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, and the onions are softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the cleaned mussels to the pan. Sauté for a minute, then pour in the reserved pasta water and the white wine. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mussels have opened wide. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
Step 5
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the mussels and sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt, if needed (mussels can be salty, so taste first). Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce and allow the flavors to meld for about a minute.
Step 6
Serve the mussel oil pasta immediately onto plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta!
