Tiella Recipe: Mussels, Potato and Rice, Puglia Style (Riso, Patate e Cozze)
Tiella, also known as riso, patate e cozze (rice, potatoes, and mussels), is an Apulian classic that embodies the flavors of Puglia in every bite. This beloved dish, named after the pan in which it's traditionally served, is a comforting reminder of the region's rich culinary heritage. With its paella-style preparation and a touch of nostalgia, tiella is the perfect way to transport yourself to the sun-soaked shores of southern Italy.
Prepare the Mussels: Clean the mussels thoroughly and open them in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once opened, separate them, leaving the mussels attached to one valve and discarding the other. Collect the mussels in a bowl and cover them to prevent drying out.
Prepare the Cooking Liquid: Filter the cooking liquid from the mussels and mix it with 1¼ cups/300 g. of water.
Prep the Vegetables: Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices. Divide the cherry tomatoes into 4 wedges and thinly slice the onion. Chop the parsley leaves until you have 2 tablespoons and chop the celery leaves until you have 1 tablespoon. Mix them with the coarsely chopped garlic.
Assemble the Tiella: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Grease a baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Begin by layering half of the potatoes, cherry tomatoes, onions, minced garlic and parsley mixture, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano cheese, half of the mussels (arranged with the shellfish facing up), and half of the rice. Repeat the layers to create a second identical layer.
Add Liquid and Cover: Pour 1/2 glass of white wine followed by the cooking water of the mussels over the assembled tiella. Cover the tiella with a lid or aluminum foil, wrapping it completely.
Bake: Place the covered tiella in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the rice is cooked through. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice reaches the desired consistency.
Notes
With Flora Fine Foods’ high-quality ingredients, this tiella recipe will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Puglia with every delicious bite. Buon appetito!