Authentic Tarantino-Style Mussel Broth Recipe

Imagine being able to savor the authentic taste of the sea with a dish that brings the breeze and colors of Puglia right to your table. We’re talking about a soup that is a true ode to simplicity and flavor: the Tarantino-style mussel broth, a traditional recipe that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

I still remember getting lost in the intense aroma of freshly cooked mussels by my grandmother when I was a child. It was like diving into the deep blue sea just by closing my eyes while savoring every spoonful. Now it’s your turn to immerse yourself in this culinary experience!

In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the preparation: from the slightly spicy sauté to the perfect marriage of the shellfish and fresh tomato sauce. And if you want to add that special touch, I’ll even reveal a secret to make this dish even more surprising.

So, put on your apron and get ready to feel the warm embrace of Puglia with every bite!

Recipe Notes

• EASE: Easy and quick to make.
• BOLD FLAVORS: Authentic taste of the Puglian sea.
• ORIGINAL TOUCH: Addition of the traditional tarantina creamed fava beans.
• PREPARATION: 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 175 calories per serving.

Ingredients Notes for the Recipe

• Mussels: packed with protein and an authentic taste of the sea
• Tomatoes: a great source of lycopene and a fresh flavor
• Garlic: adds an aromatic touch to the soup
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: essential for an authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Chili Flakes: for a spicy and distinctive kick
• Parsley: adds freshness and color to the dish
• Crusty Bread: perfect for a crunchy side to the soup
• Salt: to adjust the soup’s taste according to personal preferences

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s explore the benefits of Tarantina-style Mussel Soup, a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.

• With over 20g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for those muscles.
• Moderate calorie content: just 175 Kcal per serving.
• Rich in iron and essential minerals from the mussels.
• Lycopene from the tomatoes, a powerful antioxidant.
• Extra virgin olive oil, a precious source of monounsaturated fats.
• Red chili to naturally boost metabolism.
• Garlic and parsley: natural allies for the immune system.

Recipe for Zuppa di Cozze Alla Tarantina: Flavors of Puglia

Zuppa di Cozze Alla Tarantina is a traditional Apulian dish bursting with sea flavors, perfect for a family or friends gathering. Made with tomatoes, garlic, chili, and parsley, served with crispy bread croutons. Try it with a twist of cream of dried fava beans for a rustic touch.

Servings 4

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1000 g Mussels
• 300 g Tomatoes
• 1 Garlic Clove of
• To taste Chili Pepper
• To taste Olive Oil
• To taste Parsley
• Bread Crostini
• 1 Pinch Salt

Instructions

• Start by washing and cleaning the mussels thoroughly under cold running water, removing the beards and scraping off any barnacles from the shells.
• In a large pot, steam the mussels over high heat with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, covering with a lid for a few minutes until they all open.
• Meanwhile, in a wide pan, sauté a crushed garlic clove and a piece of chili in hot olive oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• As soon as the garlic turns golden, remove it along with the chili from the pan to avoid overly intense flavors.
• Add the previously peeled and deseeded tomatoes to the pan and let them cook over medium heat for about ten minutes.
• Then add the mussels to the sauce in the pan, also adding their strained liquid to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Adjust the salt and continue cooking for another five minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
• Sprinkle the soup with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
• Serve your Mussel Soup Taranto Style hot, accompanied by crispy bread crostini.

Notes

For an original touch to your soup, add a drizzle of 'crema di fave secche alla tarantina' directly into the bowls before serving; this typical ingredient of Apulian cuisine will enrich your soup with a creamy and delightfully rustic note.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 175kcal

Course: Seafood Soup

Keyword: Bread Croutons, Chili, Cream of Dried Broad Beans, garlic, Mussel Soup Tarantina Style, Mussels, Olive Oil, parsley, Puglia, Recipe, Salt, Tomatoes

Variations of the Tarantino-Style Mussel Soup Recipe

Add your own twist to this soup with these variations:

• Swap out mussels for clams for a deliciously different variation.
• Replace fresh tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a sweeter and more intense flavor.
• Add thinly sliced fennel during cooking for a fresh and slightly anise-like aroma.
• Try it with a base of fish broth instead of olive oil for a bolder taste.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe

If you’re unsure about how to make Tarantina-Style Mussel Soup, here are the answers to some common questions.

How to properly clean the mussels before cooking?

Rinse and scrub the mussels under cold running water, removing the beard and scraping off any debris from the shells.

How to prevent the garlic from burning during sautéing?

Be mindful not to let the garlic brown; remove it as soon as it starts to turn golden to avoid overly intense flavors.

How to enhance the soup with an original touch?

Drizzle a bit of Tarantina-style dried fava bean puree directly into the bowls before serving for a creamy and rustic twist.