Mussels in Tomato Sauce (Taranto Style)
Mussels in Tomato Sauce is a traditional seafood dish from the coastal city of Taranto in southern Italy, in the region of Puglia. Fresh mussels are cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce with garlic, chilli and parsley, creating a simple but incredibly flavourful dish. The sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread, making this recipe a classic Italian seafood starter or light main course.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1.5 kg fresh mussels
2 garlic cloves
400 g canned chopped tomatoes
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small dried chilli (optional)
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
salt and black pepper
crusty bread, to serve
Method
1. Clean the mussels
Rinse the mussels under cold running water. Remove any beards and discard any mussels that are already open or damaged.
2. Prepare the base
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and chilli and cook gently until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the mussels
Add the cleaned mussels to the pan, cover with a lid and cook for 5–6 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until all the mussels have opened.
5. Finish the dish
Remove any mussels that remain closed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and season with black pepper.
6. Serve
Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
Tips and Variations
For the best flavour, always use very fresh mussels. If possible, buy them the same day you plan to cook them. Avoid overcooking the mussels as they can become tough; they are ready as soon as the shells open. Adding a little of the natural mussel cooking liquid to the tomato sauce enhances the seafood flavour and creates a richer broth. Serve the dish with rustic bread to enjoy every drop of the sauce.
History of Cozze alla Tarantina
Cozze alla Tarantina comes from the city of Taranto, one of the most important seafood centres in southern Italy. This traditional dish perfectly reflects the simplicity of Apulian cuisine, where fresh seafood, olive oil and tomatoes are the stars of the table. The recipe highlights the region’s love for bold Mediterranean flavours and simple cooking methods that allow quality ingredients to shine. This same culinary tradition can be seen in other dishes from Puglia, such as Spicy Crispy Spaghetti Bari Style and the famous Focaccia Barese, both celebrating the rustic and authentic flavours of southern Italian cooking.
