A timeless Italian classic, full of flavor and simplicity.
If you love mussels, this is one of the best (and easiest) ways to enjoy them: just garlic, olive oil, lots of black pepper—and nothing else! Impepata di Cozze is a rustic southern dish that brings the taste of the sea straight to your plate.
Serve it hot with crusty bread and dive in with your hands… it’s the only way!

Ingredients

• 1 kg of fresh mussels
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper (lots of it!)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Toasted bread or lemon wedges to serve (optional)

Direction

1. Clean the mussels
   • Discard any open or broken mussels.
   • Scrape the shells with a knife or steel wool.
   • Remove the “beard” by pulling it toward the narrow end of the shell.
   • Rinse the mussels well under cold running water.
2. Cook
   • In a large pan, heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil with the smashed garlic cloves.
   • Once the garlic is golden, add the mussels and cover with a lid.
   • Cook over high heat for about 5–6 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all the mussels have opened.
   • Turn off the heat, discard the garlic, and add plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
   • Sprinkle with parsley if you like.
3. Serve
   • Serve immediately with toasted bread for dipping, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
   • Best enjoyed hot—and with your hands!

BONUS TIP: If there’s too much cooking liquid left, remove the mussels and let it reduce a bit.