BIG MUSSELS WITH CHORIZO AND SAFFRON RICE

Big Mussels with Chorizo and Saffron Rice image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

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2 cups chicken stock or broth
1 cup seafood stock or clam juice (available at the seafood counter or near the canned tuna)
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (twice around the pan), plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 cups short-grain white rice
1/2 pound chorizo sausage, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
2 celery ribs with greens, chopped
1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 pounds cleaned mussels (Pull off the hairy "beards" with your fingers.)
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (a couple of generous handfuls)
1 cup frozen green peas, defrosted
Crusty bread

Steps:

In a medium saucepan, heat the combination of stocks and saffron to a boil, then add a generous drizzle of EVOO and the rice. Cover and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 17 minutes.
Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of the EVOO and the chorizo and cook for 2 minutes to render some of the chorizo's fat, then add the garlic, onions, bell peppers, celery, and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables for 7 to 8 minutes, then add the wine and reduce for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and stir. Add the mussels to the pan in an even layer, then cover the pan tightly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to open the mussels. Remove the lid and discard any unopened mussels. Also discard the bay leaf. Combine the parsley in the pan with a serious shake.
To serve, add the peas to the cooked rice and toss to combine. Arrange the cooked rice in shallow bowls or on a large, deep platter. Top with the mussels and sauce. Pass crusty bread for mopping.
Tidbit
Saffron powder is sometimes available in small, affordable envelopes near the fish counter. Saffron threads are more expensive, but a tin will last a long time-just remember to keep it in a cool place away from the heat of the stove!