Spaghetti with Prawns and Mussels

Peel and finely chop the shallots, and the garlic cloves. Split the chilli lengthways, remove the seeds and chop finely. Put the olive oil in a pan and soften, but don't brown, the shallots for five minutes or so over a low light stirring from time to time. Add the garlic and chilli and cook for another five minutes.

Meanwhile peel the prawns reserving the heads and shells, drain and add to the onion mixture. Sir for another few minutes or until the they are pink.

Meanwhile, prepare the mussels removing the beards and discarding open ones. Put in a saucepan along with the wine and steam covered for five minutes or so. Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon to a drainer. Discard any closed mussels, and remove the top shell from each of the rest. Add to the prawns etc under a very low light.

Wash the prawn heads and shells under a cold tap and add to the mussel cooking liquor. Reduce the liquor to about five tablespoonfuls and pour through a sieve (to remove the prawn heads and shells) into the prawns/mussels.

Meanwhile cook the spaghetti salted water and drain. Stir in a couple of tablespoonfuls of cream, and then stir the whole lot into the prawns/mussels. Season well with salt and pepper and serve  Zoom  .