Greek mussels and rice

Mythopilafo   - Mussels and Rice Pilaf

This is a favourite at any time of the year.  The pilaf (pilafi in greek) is a perfect dish to enjoy with a glass of ouzo.  We eat this meat-egg-dairy-free plate  as a complete meal with a glass of wine, a plate of olives, a lettuce salad, some heavy bread and a piece of  fruit or halvas to finish the meal.

I normally use a packet of ready steamed mussels along with a handful of fresh mussels still in their shell...if we have any fresh

There are several ways of preparing this dish.  I boil the rice separately and make a tomato sauce to which I add the mussels and the rice

Tomato Sauce for Mydopilafo

Brown a chopped onion and a few cloves of garlic in olive oil.  When these are soft add a wine glass of ouzo to the pot.  You could just use wine.

Mix in a tin of chopped tomatoes or three big grated tomatoes and all their juice.  Add chopped parsley, salt and lots of fresh pepper.  A spoon of tomato paste adds colour if you're using fresh tomatoes.

Mix the sauce into the hot boiled rice and add the mussels.

Kali Orexi

Crete coming up soon!