To make Puglian tiella, start by washing and cleaning the mussels. Place them in a large pot with some water and bring it to a boil. Cook the mussels until they open, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mussels from the pot and set them aside. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve it for later.
Next, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. In a separate pot, heat some olive oil, and sauté the potatoes until they are lightly browned. Set the potatoes aside and use the same pan to toast the rice. Once the rice is toasted, add in the reserved cooking liquid and let it cook until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Now, it’s time to assemble the tiella. Take a large clay pot and start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of rice, followed by a layer of potatoes, and then arrange the mussels on top. Repeat the layers until you have used up all the ingredients. Pour some extra cooking liquid over the top of the tiella.
Cover the pot with a lid or some parchment paper and put it in the oven. Bake the tiella for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Take the pot out from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Puglian tiella is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for serving on a chilly evening. The rice and potatoes provide a starchy base, while the mussels add a briny flavor to the dish. The cooking liquid that is used to flavor the rice also adds a rich seafood flavor to the dish. This meal is a great option for people who don’t eat meat but still want something hearty and flavorful.
In addition to being delicious, Puglian tiella is also a visually stunning dish. The layers of rice, potatoes, and mussels create a beautiful pattern that is sure to impress your guests. This dish can be served on its own as a main course or as a side dish with grilled fish or roasted vegetables.
Overall, Puglian tiella is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, and the components can be prepped ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday dinner. Whether you are a fan of mussels or not, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.