Midye Pilavı (Turkish Pilaf With Mussels)

Midye Pilavı (Turkish Pilaf With Mussels) Ingredients

3 cups peeled & frozen mussels4 tbsp olive oil2 large onions (finely diced)5 cloves garlic (minced)2 tbsp pine nuts1 tsp allspice powder1 tsp chilli flakes4 tbsp dried currants (soaked in warm water for 15 mins & drained)1 large tomato (finely diced)2 tbsp tomato paste2 cups short grain rice (washed till water runs clear & drained)1 tsp salt (to taste)1 tsp ground black pepper (to taste)3 cups water1/2 cup parsley (chopped)1/2 cup dill (chopped)

Steps

Heat oil in a large pan over medium high.Add onions & garlic, sauté until onion turns translucent (abt 8 mins)Add pine nuts, sauté for 3 mins, stirring often.Add allspice, chilli flakes & rehydrated currants, cook for 2 mins.Add both types of tomatoes & cook for 5 mins until tomatoes break down.Add rice, salt & black pepper, stir well & sauté for 1 min.Pour water, stir well, cover & bring to a boil.Reduce heat to low & simmer for 15 mins or until all the liquid has been absorbed.Let rice cool down for 20 mins (uncovered), fluff rice & stir in the chopped herbs.Taste to adjust seasoning, transfer to individual serving plates, sprinkle with more chopped herbs, chilli flakes & lemon wedges.