Midye Pilavı (Turkish Pilaf With Mussels)

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled & frozen mussels
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large onions (finely diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tsp allspice powder
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 4 tbsp dried currants (soaked in warm water for 15 mins & drained)
• 1 large tomato (finely diced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups short grain rice (washed till water runs clear & drained)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 cup dill (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large pan over medium high.

3. 3

   Add onions & garlic, sauté until onion turns translucent (abt 8 mins)

4. 4

   Add pine nuts, sauté for 3 mins, stirring often.

5. 5

   Add allspice, chilli flakes & rehydrated currants, cook for 2 mins.

6. 6

   Add both types of tomatoes & cook for 5 mins until tomatoes break down.

7. 7

   Add rice, salt & black pepper, stir well & sauté for 1 min.

8. 8

   Pour water, stir well, cover & bring to a boil.

9. 9

   Reduce heat to low & simmer for 15 mins or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

10. 10

    Let rice cool down for 20 mins (uncovered), fluff rice & stir in the chopped herbs.

11. 11

    Taste to adjust seasoning, transfer to individual serving plates, sprinkle with more chopped herbs, chilli flakes & lemon wedges.