Goan-style Spicy Mussels with Rice

Ingredients

While the original Peruvian dish, Choritos con arroz, features mussels cooked in a Peruvian-style sauce, the Goan adaptation adds a distinct twist. The Goan version incorporates the unique blend of spices and flavors that define Goan cuisine, such as turmeric, cumin, and red chili powder. Additionally, the dish is served with rice, which is a staple in Goan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Choritos con arroz, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded 500g (1.1 lb) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Cooked rice, to serve Cooked rice, to serve

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
4. 4.
   Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
5. 5.
   Add the cleaned mussels to the pan and stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
6. 6.
   Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the spicy mussels over a bed of cooked rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they may be unsafe to consume.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a finely chopped green chili to the sauce.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of tanginess.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
• Make sure to discard any mussels that do not open after cooking, as they may be spoiled.
• To enhance the flavors, marinate the mussels in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Goan-style Spicy Mussels with Rice hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Accompany it with a side of lime wedges for squeezing over the mussels to add a tangy twist. This dish pairs well with a cooling cucumber and mint raita or a simple green salad.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Mussels with Rice in a vibrant and colorful manner. Arrange the mussels on a bed of fluffy rice and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of green. Serve it in traditional Goan-style earthenware for an authentic touch.