Thursday, February 16, 2012

Mussels & Chorizo, with or without pasta

It is rarely a "without" pasta in our houses.  For this recipe, we both voted for "with".  A winner for both, with slightly different interpretations........

Per Tricia~
All three of my guys love mussels, yet I can barely take watching them
 being eaten....let alone think of attempting to consume one myself. 
 Since I enjoy consuming almost everything else on the planet, 
I did not think it necessary for me to struggle with adding to
 my repertoire.  But I did step up to at least clean and prepare
 the little devils all by myself this week.  And I only squealed once  
or twice by a surprise barnacle....
The results ?  
Overwhelming delight.
 My younger son had such an extreme reaction to this dish I literally
 thought he had burned his mouth on a mussel !  He tasted the first and
 immediately drew in air loudly with an accompanying "oooh" sound.
  I had a panic and asked if he was alright or had burned his tongue. 
 Nope- he was simply in awe of how amazing it tasted.  Phew. 
 This mussels recipe, served over fettuccine, was a two thumbs up
 winner in this household. The only complaint at all was that I had
 halved the recipe.  They wanted more......

Per Nana~

I have always followed the traditional Italian way of cooking 
tomato sauce for hours and I find it quite time consuming.  I often 
wanted to make these various quick sauces which tend to be 
simple and lighter, but hubby likes his the old fashion way.  

This week's recipe was definitely a winner.
I made one change, using shrimp instead of mussels. 
 Years ago, while traveling in Belgium,  we visited a 
restaurant in Brussels famous for their mussels.  
 Hubby must have eaten one that was not good and was 
ill for days.  He has not  eaten a mussel since that trip and
 that is the reason for my substitution.

That said, this was one fantastic meal.
 
I only made half of the recipe, using about a dozen shrimp 
served over 1/2 pound of angel hair pasta.  The combination 
of  chorizo sausage and shrimp was so delicious that I know
this will be revisited again.

23 comments:

  1. Both versions look delicious. Shrimp sounds like a perfect substitute for anyone who does not like mussels.

    And I too once got food poisoning from seafood (not mussels though) and it is a feeling which I would never want to repeat, so I can empathize with Nana's husband.

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  2. I think shrimp is a great idea (the mussels were a bit of work...).
    Glad both team Nana and team Tricia enjoyed this one.
    Have a great weekend!

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  3. We made this (I didn't eat it though) with chorizo and scallops and it was a great combination too. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. Both dishes look great! I know that others used shrimp as well, and I'm excited to try that version!

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  5. Since quite a few people have tried substituting the mussels with shrimp and liked it, I think that will be my next version as well. Well done Tricia for cooking this for your family when you don't eat mussels yourself. Now that's what I call love and dedication!

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  6. I like Nana's version - although I feel bad for your husband's aversion to mussels now. Shellfish and pork are great together, so it is just a matter of finding which combination works out best for you. Tricia, your boys are developing a great palate. I don't think I tried mussels before turning 16. (Thanks for also reminding me to get some vermouth).

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  7. I think this would work perfectly with shrimp. good for you for making it, even though you personally don't like mussels, Tricia! Love that everyone loved it so much!

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  8. Love both your versions...I want to try the shrimp version. Tricia: Way to go to do all that work for your family when you were not keen on eating mussels yourself. I always like seeing how you two compare on these cooking projects and to learn how your family reacts. Great post.

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  9. Yeah!!! I so loved this one!!! My young nephew shared this dish with me and nearly ate all of it!

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  10. Both of these versions look fantastic! Tricia...I had to smile at the reaction of your son...what a compliment! Nana...love the idea of the shrimp...a great substitution! I hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. Glad you both found ways to enjoy the dish! I considered using shrimp just because the mussels seemed a bit overwhelming.

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  12. Glad the boys loved it Tricia - I understand you are not a fan of mussels? Nanna, I think I would like your shrimp version better - I eat mussels, but don't lve them - now prawns on the other hand - mmm...

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  13. How fun that the boys loved this - that is pretty great that they explore different foods and tastes! Nana - your pasta with the shrimp looks great. Can't blame your husband for not eating mussels after getting a bad one. Mussels two ways looks terrific!

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  14. Glad to hear you both enjoyed this! I loved this, both with and without the pasta. Not sure which way I liked it better. Both were good. Shrimp sounds nice too, as the sauce was delicious on its own. Have a great weekend.

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  15. Your pictures look great. So colorful! Glad to see the shrimp version since I had some trouble keeping the mussels alive before they hit the pot!!

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  16. Both of your dishes look wonderful! Glad that everyone enjoyed it! I am definitely going to try it with shrimp (I am all for not having to debeard anything!)

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  17. I so missed reading your posts. I love how you compare your experiences and the joy you experience doing this project together. Hopefully I'll fully catch up soon! I love your pictures too. Hope everything is going your way!

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    Replies
    1. Tricia and I do enjoy this, we have had a lot of fun over the past year, a lot of
      laughs too. But most of all the food has been good. Thanks so much.

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  18. I am amazed that all your guys love mussels, Tricia. I think of it as an adult, acquired taste but after reading many of the Dorista Posts as well as yours, I realize it is not. And, yes, pass mussels, if you wish. We've earned the right. Liked your idea about using shrimp, Nana. I understand that if you get sick on a shellfish, especially clams, oysters or mussels, you never "go back".

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  19. I squealed once or twice during the mussel-cleaning process myself--it doesn't do to be too squeamish when cooking. The shrimp idea sounds very good; I intend to try that soon.
    Marie
    www.weekendviands.blogspot.com

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  20. So glad your families enjoyed this one. Nana, I wish I had thought to use shrimp instead. What a great idea!

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  21. I look forward to your posts every week. I loved the variation with the shrimp!

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  22. Both of your interpretations of this dish look wonderful. I am glad it was a hit - it was at ours as well.

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