Crostini with Mussels and Cherry Tomatoes

Mussel and cherry tomato crostini are a tasty and appealing appetizer that can start off a seafood-based dinner. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of mussels
• 200 g of cherry tomatoes
• 4 slices of homemade bread
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mussels, removing the beard (the “byssus”) and scraping off the external encrustations. Rinse them several times in cold water.
2. In a large frying pan, sauté the garlic clove with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once golden, add the mussels, cover with a lid, and let them cook over high heat until they open. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. If desired, deglaze with a bit of white wine, then remove from the heat and let cool. Remove the mussels from their shells, keeping some whole for decoration.
4. In the meantime, cut the cherry tomatoes in half or into quarters, depending on the size, and place them in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, oil, and chopped parsley.
5. Add the shelled mussels to the tomato dressing and mix gently.
6. Toast the slices of homemade bread until they become crispy.
7. Arrange the seasoned tomatoes on each slice of toasted bread, then add the mussels.
8. Complete with a raw drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if liked, a sprinkle of black pepper and more chopped parsley.
9. Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature.

Trivia

In Mediterranean cuisine, mussels are highly valued for their sea flavor and easy preparation. The pairing with fresh cherry tomatoes creates a perfect balance between the intense taste of the mussels and the sweetness of the tomatoes, making the crostini a light appetizer but full of flavor.

Remember, if you want an extra touch, you can add chili pepper during the cooking of the mussels, to give the dish a spicy flavor that contrasts pleasantly with the freshness of the cherry tomatoes.