Stuffed Adriatic Mussels
Experience the coastal flavors of the Adriatic with these delightful stuffed mussels, also known as 'Cozze Ripiene.' These plump, creamy mussels are carefully cleaned and steamed, revealing their natural sweetness and briny essence. They're then filled with a savory mixture of toasted breadcrumbs, vibrant parsley, aromatic garlic, and a kick of crumbled peperocini. Baked until golden, these delicious bites are perfect as an appetizer or perfect accompaniment to your favorite drink. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish and enjoy the charming combination of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a beachside café. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or simply indulging at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mussels
2 lbs 4 oz (cleaned)
White wine
3.5 fl oz (none)
Water
7 fl oz (none)
Olive oil
3 tbsp (for drizzling)
Lemon wedge
to serve (sliced)
Breadcrumbs
3.5 oz (none)
Fresh parsley
1 large handful (finely chopped)
Peperocini bell peppers
2-4 small (crumbled)
Garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cleaning the mussels; remove any beards and scrub the shells under cold water to ensure they are free of sand and debris.
2
In a large pot, combine the white wine and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, discarding any that are already open. Cover the pot with a lid and return to a boil, steaming the mussels for about 5-7 minutes until the shells are fully opened.
4
Once cooked, drain the mussels and discard any that have not opened. Allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.
5
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), or gas mark 6.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, crumbled peperocini, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt, keeping in mind the natural salinity of the mussels.
7
Carefully take each mussel and twist off the top shell, leaving the mussel attached to the bottom shell. Arrange the prepared mussels on one or two large baking trays, ensuring they are stable.
8
Generously top each mussel with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to adhere it, then drizzle with olive oil for added richness.
9
Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden, releasing a fragrant aroma.
10
Serve hot, paired with fresh lemon wedges to add brightness just before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian name for Stuffed Adriatic Mussels?
The dish is traditionally known as 'Cozze Ripiene'.
How should the mussels be cleaned before cooking?
Remove any beards and scrub the shells under cold water to ensure they are free of sand and debris.
What liquids are used to steam the mussels?
The mussels are steamed in a mixture of 3.5 fl oz of white wine and 7 fl oz of water.
How long do the mussels need to steam?
They should be steamed for approximately 5-7 minutes until the shells are fully opened.
What should I do with mussels that are open before cooking?
Any mussels that are already open before you begin cooking should be discarded.
What should I do with mussels that remain closed after steaming?
Discard any mussels that have not opened after the steaming process.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the stuffed mussels?
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6.
What ingredients are used in the breadcrumb stuffing?
The stuffing consists of breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, crumbled peperocini, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do you prepare the mussel shells for stuffing?
Twist off the top shell and leave the mussel attached to the bottom shell for stuffing.
How long do the mussels bake in the oven?
They should bake for approximately 10-15 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used for drizzling over the mussels before baking.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is dairy-free as it contains no butter or cheese.
Does this dish contain gluten?
Yes, this recipe contains gluten due to the use of breadcrumbs.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What provides the spicy kick in the stuffing?
Crumbled peperocini bell peppers provide the aromatic kick.
How should Stuffed Adriatic Mussels be served?
Serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges to add brightness just before eating.
What is the total weight of mussels needed?
You will need 2 lbs 4 oz of mussels.
What type of wine is recommended for steaming?
The recipe specifies using white wine for steaming the mussels.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe recommends a large handful of fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
What is the texture of the mussels after baking?
The mussels remain plump and creamy while the breadcrumb topping becomes crisp.
Is this recipe suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, these mussels are ideal as an appetizer or an accompaniment to a drink.
How many breadcrumbs are needed for the mixture?
The recipe requires 3.5 oz of breadcrumbs.
Should I add a lot of salt to the stuffing?
Use salt sparingly, keeping in mind the natural salinity of the mussels.
How should the mussels be arranged on the baking tray?
Arrange the bottom shells on one or two large baking trays, ensuring they are stable.
What is the purpose of the lemon wedges?
The lemon wedges are for squeezing over the hot mussels to add a zesty finish and brightness.
What is the origin of this dish?
This recipe reflects the coastal flavors of the Adriatic region.
What should I do after draining the steamed mussels?
Allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably to remove the top shells.
What kind of salt is suggested for seasoning?
The recipe suggests using sea salt for seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 2 lbs 4 oz of mussels typically serves a group as an appetizer.
What does 'peperocini' refer to in this context?
It refers to small, crumbled bell peppers that add flavor and a mild heat to the stuffing.