Orecchiette Pasta with Mussels Recipe

First, make the watercress purée. Wash the watercress well and blanch in salted boiling water

Blend until smooth and make an emulsion with a touch of olive oil. Season with salt to taste

To make the bergamot purée, blanch the segments in boiling water for 3–4 minutes and then refresh in iced water. Blitz in a blender to make a smooth paste

For the mussels, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large saucepan and as soon as they are hot, add the mussels and cover with a lid. As soon as they open, remove from the heat and remove the meat from the shells. Chop the meat and set aside

Pass the liquid that was released from the mussels through a fine sieve and set aside

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for approximately 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain when ready

Place the pasta in a large bowl and toss through the watercress purée, adding some of the reserved mussel water if needed. Sprinkle in a pinch of chilli powder

On the bottom of each plate, place a touch of bergamot purée then add the pasta. Add a handful of mussels and parsley and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and salt flakes