Riso con Cozze

Riso con Cozze is a delightful Italian dish that features tender mussels cooked with aromatic rice, creating a symphony of flavors from the sea. This high-protein meal is not only satisfying but also a true representation of coastal Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

• Arborio rice - 150 grams
• Fresh mussels - 500 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Shallot - 1, finely chopped
• White wine - 100 ml
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any dirt. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until almost completely absorbed by the rice.
5. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 15 minutes.
6. While the rice is cooking, in a separate pot, add the cleaned mussels and cherry tomatoes. Pour in a splash of water and cover, cooking over medium heat until the mussels open, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Once the mussels are cooked, add them (along with any broth) to the risotto. Stir gently to combine.
8. Season the dish with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.
9. Serve the Riso con Cozze hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals from the mussels and tomatoes.

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