Spaghetti Con Le Cozze Alla Tarantina
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes more beloved than spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina. This delicious pasta dish features spaghetti noodles cooked to perfection and mixed with fresh mussels, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices for a truly mouth-watering flavor. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes this dish so special and give you some tips on how to prepare it at home.
What Are Cozze Alla Tarantina?
Cozze alla tarantina, or Taranto-style mussels, are a traditional Italian seafood dish that originated in the coastal city of Taranto in the Puglia region of southern Italy. The dish is typically made with fresh mussels, which are cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, chili flakes, and other seasonings.
The mussels are then served over a bed of spaghetti noodles that have been cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. The result is a delicious and satisfying seafood pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 2 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Here's how to make spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the wine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the mussels to the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
- When the spaghetti noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the skillet with the mussels and sauce. Toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Serving and Pairing
Spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina is a versatile dish that can be served on its own as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Italian favorites like garlic bread or Caprese salad. To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished product.
When it comes to pairing wine with spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina, opt for a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines will complement the light and fresh flavors of the dish without overwhelming them.
Conclusion
Spaghetti con le cozze alla tarantina is a delicious and satisfying Italian seafood pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion. With fresh mussels, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Try making it at home today and see for yourself why this dish is so beloved in Italy and beyond.