Impepata di Cozze
Peppered Mussels
A classic Neapolitan dish of mussels quickly steamed in white wine with garlic and a generous amount of black pepper, perfect as an appetizer or light meal. The flavorful broth is meant to be soaked up with crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Mussels
- 4-5 cloves Garlic
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 200 ml Dry white wine(Such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino)
- 1-2 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1/2 bunch Fresh parsley
- for serving Crusty bread(Toasted or grilled, for soaking up the broth)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mussels: Scrub the mussels under cold running water to remove any dirt or barnacles. Pull out the 'beard' (byssus threads) that protrude from the side. Discard any mussels that are already open and do not close when tapped, or any with cracked shells, as they are not safe to eat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Add mussels and wine: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cleaned mussels to the pot. Pour in the white wine. Stir to combine.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Steam the mussels: Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until most of the mussels have opened. The steam from the wine and the mussels' own liquid will cook them.
⏱️ 5-8 minutes - 5
Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly cracked black pepper and the chopped parsley. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed (though mussels are naturally salty). Discard any mussels that did not open during cooking. Ladle the mussels and their delicious broth into serving bowls. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley and serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your mussels are very fresh. They should smell of the sea and be tightly closed (or close when tapped).
- ✓Don't be shy with the black pepper; it's a key flavor component of this dish.
- ✓The broth is as important as the mussels! Serve with good quality crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- For a richer version, add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) along with the wine.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti for a more substantial meal.