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Mussel and Potato Stew

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  • SERVINGS: 10
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Both mussels and potatoes are staples of Ligurian cooking. Reed Hearon uses them with broccoli rabe to make this succulent light stew. Fruity olive oil adds depth of flavor.

  1. 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
  2. Salt
  3. 1/2 pound broccoli rabe, thick stems peeled
  4. 1/2 cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil
  5. 4 anchovy fillets, coarsely chopped
  6. 4 garlic cloves, minced
  7. 2 1/2 pounds small mussels, scrubbed and debearded
  8. 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  9. Freshly ground pepper
  1. In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
  2. In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the broccoli rabe until crisp-tender and still bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain well and cut into 2-inch pieces.
  3. In a deep 12-inch skillet, combine the oil, anchovies and garlic. cook over high heat, mashing the anchovies, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Spread the mussels in the skillet, top with the potatoes, broccoli rabe and parsley. Add 1/2 cup of water and season with salt and pepper. Stir several times, then cover and cook until the mussels open and the vegetable are tender, abut 8 minutes. Discard any unopened mussels. Transfer the stew to soup plates and serve.
  • Published May 1997