Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the separated salsiccia meat and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, until cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- Add cubed onion and thinly sliced fennel to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and crushed chilies, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with dry white wine and Pernod, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Return the cooked salsiccia to the pot. Add the mussel seasoning and fresh tarragon sprigs.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the giant king prawns to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh dill, and season with freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices.
Notes
1. **Mussel Cleaning:** Ensure mussels are thoroughly scrubbed and de-bearded. Discard any open mussels that don't close when tapped, as well as any with broken shells. 2. **Sausage Flavor:** Browning the salsiccia well initially is key to building a flavorful base. The rendered fat will carry flavor through the dish. 3. **Deglazing:** Don't skip the Pernod and white wine. Pernod adds a subtle anise flavor that beautifully complements seafood, while the wine deglazes the pot, capturing all the delicious fond. 4. **Prawn Cooking:** Prawns cook very quickly. Add them towards the end to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. They are done when pink and opaque. 5. **Herbs & Seasoning:** Fresh tarragon and dill are crucial; add them at the very end to preserve their delicate flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the dish.