Mussel Soup

Mussel soup is a tasty and delicate dish, rich in seafood flavors. Fresh mussels are cooked in an aromatic broth enriched with ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley. The result is a soup with an intense and irresistible flavor that will captivate your senses.

 

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg fresh mussels

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 400 g canned diced tomatoes

- 1 fresh chili pepper, minced (optional)

- 1 cup dry white wine

- 1 cup fish stock (or water)

- a bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

 

Procedure:

1. Start by preparing the mussels. Make sure they are fresh and well-cleaned. Remove any beards and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Discard any mussels that are already open and do not close when touched.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for a few minutes until they become soft and translucent.

3. Add the diced tomatoes and the chili pepper (if you desire a spicier soup). Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

4. Pour the white wine into the pot and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

5. Add the mussels to the pot and gently stir. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

6. Remove the mussels from the pot and set them aside. Add the fish stock (or water) to the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. Meanwhile, remove the shells from the opened mussels, leaving only a portion attached to the mollusk. Set aside the cleaned mussels.

 

8. Add the cleaned mussels and the chopped parsley to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the mussels through.

9. Your Italian-style mussel soup is ready! Serve it hot in individual bowls, making sure to distribute the mussels evenly among the servings. You can garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an attractive presentation.

10. Accompany the mussel soup with toasted bread crostini or slices of rustic bread to dip into the delicious broth.

11. Enjoy the mussel soup slowly, savoring every bite of this seafood delicacy. The intense flavor of the mussels blends with the aromatic broth, creating a dish that will delight anyone's palate.

Remember to have a bowl on hand for the mussel shells during the meal. Italian-style mussel soup is an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner that will make you feel like you're by the seaside in Italy.

Enjoy your meal!💓