July 1, 2025RECIPES
Mussels alla Buzara (Istrian-Style Steamed Mussels)
PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes prep + 15 minutes cooking
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh mussels
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (chopped)
- 100 ml white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or a few peeled tomatoes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for a spicy kick
- Serve with: rustic bread or polenta
Preparation
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Clean the mussels thoroughly: scrub the shells and remove the beards. Discard any that are already open and don’t close when tapped.
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In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
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Add mussels to the pot and pour in white wine. Cover with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the mussels open.
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Stir in chopped parsley, tomato paste (if using), breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Add chili flakes if you like it spicy.
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Let everything simmer for a few more minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to the shells.
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Discard any mussels that remained closed.
Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious buzara sauce, or with soft polenta for a true Istrian touch.
Now you’ve made Mussels alla Buzara — a signature coastal Istrian dish packed with Mediterranean flavor and tradition!
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