Sardinian Mussels With Saffron Recipes

SARDINIAN MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON

Steps:

• 1 Soak the saffron in the white wine for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, soak the mussels in cold water for 30 minutes. Cut or pull off the beards. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that do not close tightly when touched. 2 In a large saucepan, cook the onion in the oil over medium heat until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the saffron, wine, and tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the basil and parsley. 3 Add the mussels and cover the pan. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, about 5 minutes or until the mussels begin to open. 4 Transfer the opened mussels to individual serving bowls. Cook any mussels that remain closed a minute or two longer discard any that do not open. Simmer the liquid 1 minute more and pour it over the mussels. Serve hot. From "1,000 Italian Recipes." Copyright 2004 by Michele Scicolone. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

STEAMED MUSSELS WITH WINE AND SAFFRON

Steps:

• Holding mussels under cool running water, scrub with a stiff sponge or vegetable brush, then debeard: grip the tough fibers extending from the shell and pull to remove. Discard beards.
• Steep saffron in wine for 10 minutes. (Saffron is soluble in water, not fat, so it won't release its color or flavor if added directly to the butter.) Meanwhile, melt butter over medium-high heat in a shallow stockpot. Once it's foamy, add shallots, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook until shallots are transparent and garlic is soft, about 3 minutes, stirring every so often to keep garlic from scorching. Pour in wine and saffron, then add tomatoes and return to a simmer, stirring once or twice.
• Add mussels and cover tightly. Cook until all mussels open, about 6 minutes, stirring once about halfway through. Discard any unopened mussels. If using wild mussels, strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove any sand, if necessary. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle with parsley before ladling mussels and broth into bowls.