Mussels with Chorizo & Parsley

Mussels with Chorizo & Parsley

Last week, we were posting a colorful and fragrant salad with beets and carrots that we found at the market. On the same day at the market, we also stumbled upon live mussels from Prince Edward County. As soon as I saw those mussels, I was reminded of a dish we made on our trip to France last summer. It’s a very classic mussel recipe but with the addition of chorizo, and it makes a huge difference. I can’t tell you how much we love chorizo. We even tried to bring some back from our trip but it all got seized by the customs back in Toronto (a cruel ending for these beautiful sausages if you ask me).

Mussels with Chorizo & Parsley

Live Mussels Live Mussels

To make this recipe, you’ll need to find good quality chorizo, preferably Spanish. Ideally, you’ll want a sausage that is semi-dried, as they are easier to cook with than the dry-cured ones. If you can’t find semi-dried chorizo, that’s ok, something like that will do. I personally prefer the hot version as it gives a nice kick to the dish. Finding a good chorizo may be the hardest part. The rest of the recipe is really simple, great if you have guests (do the prep in advance). I also served the mussels with garlic bread to keep things interesting.

Mussels with Chorizo & Parsley

Nico’s wine pairing: Since you’ll need some white wine for this recipe I suggest drinking the same wine. Now, don’t cook with your best wine, find yourself a good Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc or Vinho Verde under $15. 

Mussels with Chorizo & Parsley

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs live mussels
  • 3 medium shallots, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 spicy chorizo sausage, cut in 1/3 inch cubes
  • big bunch flat parsley, chopped
  • 2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse mussels under cold water. Scrub and remove beards. Discard any open or damaged mussel.
  2. Heat up olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Cook shallot, garlic and chorizo for 3 to 4 minutes. Add white wine, parsley and mussels, stir and cover. Cook for about 5 minutes until all mussels are opened.
  3. Serve right away, topped with fresh parsley. Discard unopened mussels.