Arroz con Mejillones

Arroz con Mejillones is a delightful Spanish seafood dish featuring tender rice cooked with fresh mussels, infused with aromatic spices and a hint of saffron. This dairy-free dish is a perfect balance of flavors, making it a satisfying meal for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• Arborio rice - 150 grams
• Fresh mussels - 300 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, diced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Vegetable broth - 500 milliliters
• Saffron strands - 1/4 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing the shells to remove any debris. Discard any that are open and do not close when tapped.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it breaks down slightly.
5. Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast for about 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.
6. In a separate saucepan, warm the vegetable broth and add the saffron strands to infuse.
7. Pour the warm vegetable broth into the rice mixture, along with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked.
9. Add the cleaned mussels to the pan, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mussels have opened.
10. Remove from heat, let sit for a couple of minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from mussels, supporting heart health.
• High in protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

Tags