Cozze Umbra: Savory Mussels in Rich Tomato-Wine Sauce
Dive into the irresistible flavors of Cozze Umbra, a delightful dish that showcases the beauty of fresh mussels enveloped in a robust Italian tomato sauce. Inspired by the original recipe from Saleh al Lago Restaurant in Seattle, this dish is perfect for seafood novices and aficionados alike. The combination of fresh mussels, aromatic garlic, spicy red pepper, and a splash of white wine creates a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. Serve it warm in a shallow bowl for an inviting presentation, and watch as your guests eagerly return for more. Ideal for sharing, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings, compelling you to make two batches to satisfy everyone's cravings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh Garlic
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Mussels
2 dozen (scrubbed and beards removed)
Dry White Wine
1/4 cup (none)
Chicken Stock
1/2 cup (none)
Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Lemon Juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Fresh Parsley
to taste (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
3
Introduce the scrubbed mussels into the pan, tossing them gently in the infused oil for about one minute to coat them evenly.
4
Carefully pour in the dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half, enhancing the depth of flavor.
5
Next, stir in the chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and tomato sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed as they are not safe to consume.
7
Once fully cooked, transfer the mussels and broth into a warm serving bowl, ensuring to scoop up all the beautiful sauce.
8
Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cozze Umbra?
Cozze Umbra is a savory Italian mussel dish served in a robust tomato and white wine sauce.
How many mussels are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 dozen fresh mussels, scrubbed and with the beards removed.
What type of wine should be used?
A dry white wine is recommended for this recipe to enhance the depth of the sauce.
How long should I cook the wine?
The wine should be simmered for about 3 to 4 minutes until it reduces by half.
What should I do with mussels that don't open?
Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking as they are not safe to consume.
What is the base of the sauce?
The sauce is a combination of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, dry white wine, chicken stock, lemon juice, and tomato sauce.
How much garlic is used in Cozze Umbra?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh garlic.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the best way to serve these mussels?
Serve them warm in a shallow bowl with plenty of the broth and a side of crusty bread.
How do I prepare the mussels before cooking?
The mussels should be scrubbed and have their beards removed.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
The recipe specifically calls for the juice of half a fresh lemon for its bright acidity.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You need 1/4 cup of tomato sauce for this recipe.
How long does the garlic need to cook?
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
What kind of stock is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
What is the recommended garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley is the recommended garnish for this dish.
How long do the mussels take to cook?
Once the liquids are added, the mussels typically open within 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
Is this dish suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe perfect for seafood novices.
Where does the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe is inspired by the original from Saleh al Lago Restaurant in Seattle.
Should I season the dish with salt?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste during the cooking process.
What kind of pan should I use?
A large, heavy-bottomed pan is best for even heating.
Can I make this for a large group?
The description suggests making two batches to satisfy guests at gatherings.
Is this considered an appetizer or a main course?
It is tagged as an appetizer, though it can be part of a larger gourmet meal.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Do I need to prep the parsley?
Yes, the parsley should be freshly chopped before being added as a garnish.
How do I coat the mussels in the aromatics?
Toss them gently in the garlic-infused oil for about one minute before adding the wine.
What should the wine reduction look like?
The wine should simmer until the volume has decreased by about half.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe to prepare.