Spaghetti with Mussels and Mantis Shrimp

Pasta with mussels and mantis shrimp is a dish that encapsulates the flavors of the sea and is highly appreciated for its simplicity and its extreme deliciousness. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti
• 500g mussels
• 300g mantis shrimp
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Chopped parsley to taste
• 200ml white wine
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. First, clean the mussels by removing the beard and scraping off the encrustations. For the mantis shrimp, remove the head and the intestine.
2. Sauté the garlic in a large pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you like, you can also add a chili pepper to give a spicy touch to the dish.
3. Add the mussels and mantis shrimp to the pan and let them brown for a few minutes. Then deglaze with white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
4. Cover with a lid and cook until the mussels have opened (discarding those that remain closed). Mantis shrimp usually cook in a few minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water following the times indicated on the package to achieve al dente cooking.
6. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and transfer it to the pan with the seafood sauce, adding a bit of cooking water if necessary to bind everything together.
7. Sauté for a few minutes over high heat, then turn off the heat and add plenty of chopped parsley.
8. Plate and serve immediately.

Trivia

Mantis shrimp, also known as canocchie, are crustaceans with a very delicate flavor found in the Mediterranean. These crustaceans have a thin shell that allows them to be cooked quickly and are particularly appreciated for their tender and flavorful meat. The pairing with mussels creates a very balanced mix of flavors and represents an excellent synthesis of Mediterranean cuisine.