Introducing a culinary delight that’s sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to the coastal flavors of Peru – the Salpicon de Choros, a vibrant Smoked Mussel Salad that combines the richness of smoked mussels with a medley of fresh vegetables and a tantalizing dressing. 🌊🥗
Preparation Time: 🕒 0 minutes
Cooking Time: 🕒 Variable (includes soaking time for mesquite chips and smoking mussels)
Total Time: 🕒 Variable (plus 1 hour resting time for mussels)
Servings: 🍽️ 1 batch
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mussels
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 carrot
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 corn cobs
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 dozen eggs
- 3 mesquite chips (for smoking)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1428
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 11.6g
- Cholesterol: 742mg
- Sodium: 1496mg
- Carbohydrates: 156.5g
- Fiber: 42.2g
- Sugar: 33.2g
- Protein: 91g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Smoker:
- Begin by soaking the mesquite chips in water for a few hours, ensuring they absorb enough moisture for optimal smoking.
- Heat the soaked chips in a large Dutch oven or heavy roaster over medium heat.
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Prep the Mussels:
- While the mesquite chips are heating, scrub the mussels thoroughly and arrange them in a dish that fits inside the roaster.
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Smoking the Mussels:
- Once the mesquite chips are producing fragrant smoke, carefully place the dish of mussels on top.
- Splash water around the roaster for steam, cover tightly, and let the mussels smoke for 2-3 minutes.
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Resting Period:
- After smoking, remove the roaster from heat and leave it covered for a tantalizing hour, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the mussels are resting, embark on preparing the fresh vegetables – shred the romaine lettuce, scrape the carrot, cut it into juliennes, and blanch them for a vibrant crunch.
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Dice and Slice:
- Peel, seed, and dice the tomatoes for a burst of juicy sweetness.
- Peel and dice the avocado, adding a creamy texture to the ensemble.
- Peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs, ready to adorn the final dish.
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Assemble the Salpicon:
- Once the mussels have absorbed the smoky essence, combine them with the prepared vegetables in a generous mixing bowl.
- Toss the ensemble with a dressing that elevates the flavors, allowing it to stand for a few minutes for the ingredients to harmonize.
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Serve in Style:
- Present this culinary masterpiece in individual bowls, each one a canvas of color and flavor.
- Garnish with the sliced eggs, adding a touch of elegance to your Salpicon de Choros.
This Salpicon de Choros is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of coastal abundance, a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. Perfect for a quick meal, the preparation is a testament to the art of combining simple, fresh ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Gather your ingredients, embrace the smoky aromas, and embark on a journey to culinary bliss with this Salpicon de Choros recipe! 🌮✨
