Creamy Mussels and Seaweed Pasta

It doesn't have to be mussels, you can also use clams, scallops, or hearty fish. In fact, I'm using canned smoked mussels, the very last canned seafood I've brought home all the way from Denmark.

Creamy mussels and seaweed pasta - 

Ingredients (for 2 servings)?

• 200 grams spaghettini pasta
• 1 can/about 100 grams smoked mussels (many substitutions)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons dried seaweed flakes
• 2 tablespoons peeled and chopped shallots
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Some salt
• Some pasta water (optional)

How?

Prepare a big pot of water and add in few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil and cook the pasta till almost al dente. Save about 1 cup of pasta water for emulsification later on, then drain out the rest.

Peel and chop the shallots and garlic cloves.

Take a big pan and drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Switch to medium heat. Add in shallots, garlics, dried red chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook till aromatic but not burning the garlic pieces.

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and give it a nice stir. Then add in most of the dried seaweed flakes, only save a little for dusting on top after plating. Stir till mixed.

Depending on the consistency of the sauce, it's up to you if adding the preserved pasta water or not. But I would pour in about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of pasta water and cook till emulsified. You'll know the sauce is ready when the cream has fully intertwined with the water.

Transfer drained pasta over and stir till mixed. Add in drained canned mussels. If using fresh seafood, add it before the pasta and let it simmer in the sauce till almost fully cooked-through, or till the shells open. Then we add the pasta afterwards.

Taste and adjust accordingly. Once checked, plate and garnish with the remaining dried seaweed flakes.  

 

I used dried seaweed flakes here because I have like a big full bag at home. You can also use those roasted nori sheets sold as snacks. Simply tear them into smaller pieces and add to the pasta. 

However, the roasted nori sheets are usually flavored or salted, so remember to keep that in mind and adjust the amount of salt used accordingly. 

 

Other spaghettini recipes:

• Tomato curry and chorizo spaghettini 番茄咖哩義大利麵
• Spaghettini con la bottarga (to be exact, Asian karasumi)