Buckwheat Spaghetti with Mussels and Broccoli

Buckwheat spaghetti with mussels and broccoli is a dish that combines land and sea flavors with both Italian and Asian touches. Buckwheat spaghetti, typical of Asian cuisine, can be an excellent gluten-free alternative to traditional semolina spaghetti for those looking for variety or simply to experiment with new flavors.

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 320 g of buckwheat spaghetti
• 1 kg of fresh mussels
• 300 g of broccoli
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 100 ml of dry white wine
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Chopped parsley (to taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the mussels thoroughly under running water, removing the byssus (the fibers that protrude from the shell), and scrubbing the shells to remove any impurities.
2. Divide the broccoli into florets, wash them, and steam or boil in salted water until they are tender but still crisp. Then drain them and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the finely chopped garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. When the garlic is golden, add the mussels.
4. Cover with a lid and cook over high heat for a few minutes, until the mussels have opened up. De-glaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
5. Once the mussels have opened, remove those that have remained closed and discard the garlic. Add the broccoli florets and mix gently.
6. Meanwhile, cook the buckwheat spaghetti in plenty of salted water following the package instructions for al dente.
7. Drain the spaghetti while preserving some of the cooking water and add them to the skillet with the mussels and broccoli.
8. Toss them together over medium-high heat, adding a bit of the cooking water to emulsify everything.
9. Serve the spaghetti hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.

This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a sophisticated and flavorful dinner. The buckwheat, with its intense and slightly nutty flavor, pairs well with both the mussels and the sweetness of the broccoli, creating an interesting combination of land and sea elements. Enjoy your meal!