Dagnje na Buzaru – Adriatic Steamed Mussels

Tips, Troubleshooting & Variations

• Substitutions/Notes: You can add a few slices of lemon or a dash of red wine towards the end for a tangy note. For a richer version, include a tablespoon of butter at the end and swirl it into the broth. If mussels aren’t available, use baby clams or shrimp in a similar preparation. To make a tomato buzara, stir ½ cup canned tomato puree before adding the wine.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is best enjoyed immediately. Serve family‑style so everyone can dig in; offer plenty of bread (baguette or ciabatta) or even homemade gnocchi on the side to soak up the broth. A crisp green salad or lightly dressed lettuce complements the briny mussels. For wine, pick a clean dry Croatian white (Pošip or Plavac Mali rosé can also be interesting, although rosé is unusual). A cold pilsner or light lager is another traditional choice.
• Storage & Reheating: Mussels are at their best fresh, but cooked mussels can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in their broth over low heat or briefly microwave; avoid high heat to keep them tender. The texture will still be best on day one. Refrigerated leftover broth can be strained and frozen for later use in seafood soups or sauces.
• Variations & Substitutions: Gluten-Free: Simply omit the breadcrumbs. The mussel broth will be slightly thinner, but just as tasty. Serve with gluten-free bread if desired. Spicy Cajun Style: Add a pinch of paprika and a bay leaf during cooking. Finish with a dash of hot sauce to give a Dalmatian mash-up twist. Thai-Inspired: For a coconut-curry variation, replace the parsley with Thai basil, add a sliced lemongrass stalk at the start, and substitute coconut milk for half the wine at the end. The flavors will transform the dish (though it’s more fusion than traditional). Smoky Grill: An alternative method is to char-grill the mussels. Steam them just until they open, then transfer shells to a hot grill until slightly blackened, brushing with garlic oil. Serve with the garlic-parsley broth drizzled on top.
• Chef’s Tips - Add mussels in batches: If your pot is small, cook in two rounds so the mussels have room to open. They need space; overcrowding can trap grit. Watch the liquid level: Mussels release water as they cook. If it dries out too much, add a little water or more wine. Conversely, if it seems very runny, let the broth reduce a bit before adding breadcrumbs. Check for doneness: All mussel shells should open fully. Any that remain shut should be discarded (they weren’t good). Once open, mussels only need a moment or two of heat. Pull them out as soon as they’re cooked to keep them tender.
• Equipment Needed - Large pot with lid: A heavy pot or Dutch oven that holds the mussels without crowding. Stirring utensil: A wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to stir in bread crumbs. Bowl for shells: A separate bowl to collect empty shells. Seafood fork or small fork: For diners to extract mussel meat from shells.