Fresh Mussels with Chorizo & Tomatoes

Ingredients

  1. 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
  2. 200g chorizo, sliced into thin rounds
  3. 2 tbsp olive oil
  4. 1 small onion, finely chopped
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  7. 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
  8. ½ cup vegetable or chicken stock
  9. 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  10. Salt & pepper, to taste
  11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  12. Crusty bread or rice, for serving

method

Prepare the mussels:

  1. Rinse them under cold water and remove any beards.
  2. Discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped.

 

Cook the chorizo:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chorizo and cook until it releases its oils and turns slightly crispy (about 3–4 minutes).

 

Sauté the aromatics:

  1. Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
  2. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

 

Add the tomatoes & stock:

  1. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stock.
  2. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

 

Steam the mussels:

  1. Add the mussels to the pan, cover with a lid, and let them steam for 5–7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally, until all the mussels have opened.
  2. Discard any that remain closed.

 

Finish & serve:

  1. Stir everything gently to coat the mussels in the sauce.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.