Mussels, Paprika, Vinegar, Whipped ’Nduja

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

150ml white wine

500g local mussels, scrubbed and debearded

50ml extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, smashed

1 small red chilli

5 tsp smoked paprika 50g tomato paste

50ml white wine vinegar

Salt and cracked black pepper

150g store-bought ‘nduja, at room temperature

50ml olive oil

Crusty bread, to serve

METHOD

1

Heat a large saucepan over high heat. Pour in one-third of the white wine, then add the mussels and cover and cook for a couple of minutes. Holding down the lid, carefully shake the pan to help open the mussels. Remove from the heat and scoop out the mussels. Strain the liquid and keep for later use. You’ll need about 100ml. Remove the mussels from their shells and set them 2 aside, discarding the shells.

Heat the extra virgin olive oil with the garlic and chilli in a frying pan over low heat for about 2 minutes. Mix in the paprika and cook without burning for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for a further 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the remaining wine, the vinegar and the reserved mussel juice. Allow to simmer and reduce by one-third. Add the mussels and cook over low heat to infuse for about 5 minutes. Remove from the

3 heat and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mussels and cooking liquid to an airtight container and allow to cool. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the flavours to develop. 4

Store in the fridge for up to 7 days. To finish, strain the mussels from the sauce, reserving the sauce. Combine the ‘nduja and olive oil in a bowl and stir vigorously to lighten the mixture. Using your fingers, stuff a small amount of ‘nduja into the cavity 5 of each mussel to make them plump. Serve the filled mussels on a serving plate or in a bowl and cover with the sauce. Serve with crusty bread. CHEF’S TIP This dish is somewhat inspired by the Calabrians – they like things hot, but you can dial the heat up or down with the ‘nduja as you like.