Mussel and Tomato Stew: A Flavorful Pairing with Wine
An Elegant Meal to Enjoy with Wine: Rich Mussel and Tomato Stew
Indulge in a comforting bowl of warm Mussel and Tomato Stew! Made with precisely 15 ripe tomatoes, this stew boasts a burst of umami from the rich tomato puree that harmonizes perfectly with the briny essence of fresh seafood. Pair it with a glass of wine for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s so incredibly delicious, you won’t be able to stop eating!
Essential Ingredients- 400g mussels
- 1 squid, cleaned
- 4 large shrimp
- 1.5 cups pure tomato puree
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang chili)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Italian parsley, for garnish
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mussels under running water. Gently pull off and remove any beard-like ‘byssus threads’ attached to the shells. This ensures a cleaner taste and better texture.
Step 2
Prepare the shrimp by removing their heads and shells. Make a shallow incision along the back of each shrimp and gently pull out the dark intestinal tract to devein them. This step leads to a cleaner bite.
Step 3
Now, let’s prep the aromatics and vegetables. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Slice the onion into medium-sized strips. Cut the cleaned squid into 1cm thick rings. Finely chop the Korean chili pepper, discarding the seeds if you prefer less heat.
Step 4
Heat a deep pot or a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced garlic and onion. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften and become translucent. Add the prepared mussels, shrimp, and squid to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until the seafood just begins to change color, releasing its ocean aroma.
Step 5
Pour in the 1.5 cups of pure tomato puree and 2 cups of water. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften.
Step 6
After the initial simmering, add the finely chopped Korean chili pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 4 minutes. This allows the chili pepper’s flavor to infuse the broth and the seafood to cook through perfectly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Finally, finely chop the fresh Italian parsley and sprinkle it generously over the stew as a garnish. Your delicious Mussel and Tomato Stew is ready to be served! Enjoy it with crusty bread or pasta.
