Gratinated mussels with sautéed tomato, onion and green pepper stuffing, and aïoli

Method

• step 1

  Steam the mussels in a large pan or stock pot. Once open, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. When cool, discard one half of each mussel shell, leaving the mussel in place. Put in one layer in an ovenproof dish.

• step 2

  To make the sofrito, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion until transparent. Add the peppers and fry for a few minutes more before adding the tomatoes. Season with salt, then continue to cook, stirring frequently, until small bubbles appear on the surface.

• step 3

  For the aïoli, put the egg yolks, garlic, both oils and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until the ingredients have almost completely emulsified – it will take about 30 seconds. Adjust the seasoning and add lemon juice to taste.

• step 4

  Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put a teaspoon of sofrito on top of each mussel, carefully spoon the aïoli on top and sprinkle over some manchego. Cook in the oven for a few minutes until the manchego has melted.