Cozze Alla Tarantina Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Preparation: In a large saucepan or pasta pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomatoes. With a wooden spoon, break up the tomatoes and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the tomatoes lose their rawness, about 10 minutes.
• 2. Add the wine and season with saffron, salt and pepper. Add the red pepper and cayenne pepper, to taste depending on desired heat (if using). Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the mussels, cover and cook until they open, 3 to 5 minutes.
• 3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve over pasta or with a side of Bruschetta for dipping in the sauce.
• 4. Recipe adapted from The Institute of Culinary Education, Techniques of Italian Cooking -Kristen Hess, Author of theartfulgourmet.com

Steps:

• For the filling: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup olive oil and the prosciutto and cook, stirring often, until the prosciutto is crispy, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and stir. Remove the skillet from the heat and cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the bread crumbs and toss in the oil to coat. Stir in the parsley and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
• Meanwhile, for the mussels: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the mussels and white wine. Cover and give the pot a shake. Cook, shaking occasionally, until the mussels have just opened, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard any unopened mussels.
• Position a rack in the top third of the oven. Preheat the broiler to high.
• Discard the top shells of the mussels and loosen the mussel meat from the bottom shell. Leave the meat in the shell and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a small spoon, pack the filling in each of the mussel shells. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Broil until the filling is golden and the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.