MUSSELS WITH TOMATOES AND SALAMI

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, salami, fennel seeds and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is just golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add the wine, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Add the mussels, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are wide open and look plump on the inside, 6 to 9 minutes. Discard any mussels that haven't opened after 10 minutes. Stir in the basil. Serve with bread.
• Photograph by Antonis Achilleos