Spanish Mussels Recipe
Elevate steamed mussels from simple to amazing by steaming them in a seafood broth infused with saffron, sherry, shallot, smoked paprika, garlic, crushed red pepper, and tiny bits of Spanish chorizo... Serve as an appetizer or main dish!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup sherry
- a pinch Spanish saffron - or similar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - I like Spanish olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic - minced
- 1 shallot - finely chopped
- 2 ounces Spanish chorizo - 1/4" dice*
- 2 cups seafood broth/stock*
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - hot or mild
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds fresh mussels*
Instructions
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, crush red pepper (if using), and diced chorizo.
- Sauté until the chorizo is browning and its fat is rendered (about 5 minutes).
- While the chorizo is cooking, add saffron threads to the dry sherry. Microwave until hot but not boiling (60 seconds in my microwave). Set aside.
- Add the saffron and sherry to the browned chorizo and reduce slightly. Add the seafood broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a low boil.
- Gently add in the mussels. Return the pot to a low boil. Cover and cook until the shells open (2-3 minutes). Remove from the heat and cover until ready to ladle into bowls.
- Ladle broth over the top so that the mussel shells catch it. Squeeze a lemon wedge over top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Ladle into shallow bowls with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Spanish chorizo is a cured sausage similar in texture to hard salami, not to be confused with Mexican chorizo which is uncooked and more the texture of ground beef.
My market has a really good seafood stock. I also save shrimp tails to make homemade. If you can't find seafood stock, substitute chicken broth or stock.
I usually get close to 3 pounds of mussels, and serve this as a very generous main course with a big salad. If serving it as a tapas (appetizer), 3 pounds will serve 8. One pound is typically 20-25 mussels.
The macro nutrients listed are for 20 mussels and one-fourth of the broth and chorizo mixture. There are too many variables on the toast to include (according to specific bread, size of slice, how much cheese, etc.
Nutrition
Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 15g
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com