NZ Greenshell™ mussel & chorizo paella

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg fresh live mussels (scrubbed & de-bearded, just before cooking)
• 40ml olive oil
• 100g chorizo, diced
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Large pinch of saffron
• ½ tsp. dried oregano
• Pinch dried chilli flakes
• ½ can crushed tomatoes
• 250g paella rice
• 750ml fish or chicken stock
• Zest of ½ a lemon
• 4 piquillo peppers (marinated roasted red peppers, sliced from jar)
• 4 tbsp. parsley, chopped
• Extra virgin olive to finish
• Lemon wedges to garnish

METHOD

1. Place a paella pan, or a large shallow frying pan over a medium heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the chorizo and fry, stirring, until just coloured. Add the onion, garlic, paprika, saffron, oregano and chilli flakes. Gently fry for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, then cook for 5 more minutes or until lightly thickened and the onion and garlic are softened.
3. Tip in the rice. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring until the rice is transparent.
4. Pour in the fish/ chicken stock, the lemon zest and ½ tsp of salt. Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the mussels and piquillo peppers.  Cover loosely with tinfoil, and then continue cooking for another 8 minutes without stirring, until the mussels steam open and the rice is tender, whilst still retaining a bite. Season with a little salt and pepper. Leave the paella to rest covered for 5 minutes.
6. Take off the foil, then sprinkle over the chopped parsley. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with lemon wedges.
7. Serve the paella straight from the pan at the table. Great served with a simple green leaf salad, and a side of aioli.