Nonna Rosa Carmelo’s Mussels in Red Sauce

Mussels were always plentiful and inexpensive in southern Italy, especially in Puglia, where my family has roots. Back in Italy, my Zia Rosa would have classically prepared these in bianco, in a simple white wine sauce. She learned to make them in this delightfully spicy red sauce from a Neapolitan neighbor in Brooklyn. We look forward to them every Christmas Eve, with crusty bread for dipping!