Mussels with Orange and Ginger

Mussels with orange and ginger are a delicious blend of the flavors of the sea with citrus and spicy notes. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of fresh, cleaned mussels
• 1 orange (both juice and grated zest)
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger root (about 2 cm)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by grating the zest of the orange and squeezing its juice; set aside.
2. Clean the ginger and grate it until you have about a teaspoon of grated ginger.
3. In a large pan, sauté the peeled and slightly crushed garlic cloves with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you like, add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
4. Add the mussels, cover with a lid, and cook over medium-high heat until they open (about 5-7 minutes). Remember to discard any that remain closed.
5. Deglaze with the orange juice and add the grated ginger and grated orange zest, stirring gently.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just enough time for the mussels to be flavored by the aromatic sauce.
7. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serve the mussels with orange and ginger hot, perhaps accompanied by slices of toasted homemade bread for dipping.

Curiosity

This dish has a unique balance of flavors. The use of orange adds a sweet and fresh note that pleasantly contrasts with the strong taste of mussels, while ginger provides a spicy and slightly hot aftertaste that is very distinctive. In Italy, mussels are often prepared “marinara” style, but this citrusy variant is inspired by the versatility of Italian cuisine to incorporate and harmonize different ingredients.