Spaghetti with Mussels, Clams and Turnip Tops

Method

1. Prepare the turnip tops: select only the leaves and tender parts, discarding the hard stems. Wash thoroughly and chop them coarsely with a knife (not too fine, not too coarse). Set aside.
2. If using clams, soak them in salted water for at least 30 minutes to purge sand. Drain and rinse.
3. Open the mussels and clams: in a high-sided pan, place a garlic clove (crushed, with skin), a drizzle of olive oil, half a glass of dry white wine, and a grind of black pepper. Cover and cook over high heat. As the shellfish open, remove them to a bowl (vongole usually open first, so extract them first). Continue until all are open. Filter the cooking liquid through a fine mesh or cloth to remove any sand; reserve the liquid. Shell most of the mussels and clams, leaving a few in the shell for decoration.
4. Prepare the cime di rapa: in a large sauté pan, place a garlic clove (crushed, with skin) and a drizzle of olive oil. Add chili pepper to taste (optional). Sauté gently. Remove the garlic clove. Add the chopped cime di rapa and sauté over high heat for 4-5 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters. Season with salt. Pour in the reserved shellfish cooking liquid. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the cime di rapa are tender.
5. Cook the pasta: bring a large pot of water (2 liters) to a boil. Add 18g of coarse salt. Cook the spaghetti for half the time indicated on the package (e.g., if package says 10 minutes, cook for 5 minutes).
6. Before draining the pasta, add a ladle of pasta cooking water to the cime di rapa pan. Drain the pasta directly into the pan with the cime di rapa. Toss to combine. Cook over medium heat, adding more pasta water as needed, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
7. When about 30 seconds remain, add the shelled mussels and clams. Toss well to warm through and combine all flavors.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved shellfish in their shells.