Venere Rice with Seafood (Riso Venere ai Frutti di Mare)
Category: First Courses (Primi Piatti)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Venere Black Rice | 320g |
| Mussels | 1kg |
| Clams | 700g |
| Shrimp | 8 |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | 5 tablespoons |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 8 |
| Sea Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking the Venere black rice. Place the rice in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook the rice until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring not to overcook it. Once done, drain the rice and set it aside, keeping it slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking with the seafood.
Step 2: Prepare the Mussels and Clams
Next, begin with preparing the shellfish. Clean the mussels by scrubbing their shells under cold running water, removing the beards, and scraping any debris from the outside of the shells. Similarly, clean the clams by rinsing them individually and letting them soak in salted water to expunge any sand. Set both the mussels and clams aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Mussels
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add one clove of garlic, letting it sizzle until golden. Add the mussels to the pan and cook until they begin to open, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the mussels are open, remove them from the heat and set them aside. Save the liquid from the mussels for later use in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Clams
In another large pan, add a little olive oil and two cloves of garlic, lightly crushed. Add the cleaned clams to the pan, along with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a small amount of water. Cook until the clams open up. Remove from the heat once done, and set the clams aside. Keep the cooking liquid from the clams, as this will be used to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Shrimp
Peel the shrimp, reserving four whole shrimp to garnish the final dish. Chop the remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Add these shrimp pieces to the pan with the mussels and clams, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Step 6: Sauté the Tomatoes
In a separate non-stick skillet, heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one clove of garlic, crushed, and sauté it until fragrant. Next, add the cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters, and cook them until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the reserved seafood cooking liquids (from the mussels and clams) into the pan with the tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir in the chopped parsley, then add the mussels, clams, and shrimp. Allow the seafood to warm through, ensuring it is coated in the tomato mixture.
Step 8: Combine with the Rice
Now it’s time to combine the rice with the seafood mixture. Add the al dente Venere rice into the pan with the seafood and tomato sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the rice is coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. If needed, add a little extra cooking liquid from the shellfish to achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 9: Plate and Garnish
Once everything is well combined, divide the seafood and rice mixture onto individual serving plates. Garnish with the reserved whole shrimp, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Venere Rice with Seafood hot, making sure to enjoy the rich flavors of the shellfish, the tender shrimp, and the aromatic rice. This dish is perfect as a satisfying first course or a light, but filling, main dish.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the pan when cooking the mussels and clams.
- You can add other seafood, such as squid or scallops, to enhance the variety and texture of the dish.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and tomatoes.
- If Venere rice is not available, you can substitute with other black rice varieties or even a long-grain rice for a similar texture.
Enjoy your authentic Venere Rice with Seafood, a delicious, elegant dish that brings together the flavors of the sea and the depth of the aromatic black rice.
