Ingredients:
- 1 pound of mussels
- 1 cup of cooked cannellini beans
- 8 ounces of pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable or fish broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Mussels
Start by cleaning the mussels. Scrub the shells under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels with cracked or opened shells. Remove the beards (fibrous threads) from each mussel by firmly pulling them downwards. Rinse the cleaned mussels one more time to ensure they’re ready to cook.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and tender.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the diced tomatoes (including the liquid from the can) to the pot. Stir well to combine. Then, pour in the vegetable or fish broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Mussels
In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, carefully add the cleaned mussels to the pot with the tomato and broth mixture. Cover the pot and cook for around 5 minutes or until the mussels open.
Step 5: Add the Beans and Seasoning
Once the mussels have opened, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Add the cooked cannellini beans to the pot with the tomato and broth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pot with the beans and tomato broth. Stir well to combine all the flavors. If needed, add some additional broth to achieve the desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked mussels back into the pot, gently stirring to incorporate them with the rest of the ingredients. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy Your Pasta e Fagioli with Mussels
Your Pasta e Fagioli with Mussels is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot in individual bowls, making sure each portion has a good balance of pasta, beans, and mussels. Optionally, accompany it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. This traditional Italian dish will leave you craving for more!
We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this mouthwatering Italian delight! Buon appetito!