Spanish Chorizo and Mussel Stew
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
1 fennel bulb, about 12 ounces
12 ounces cured Spanish chorizo sausage, cut diagonally into ½-inch slices
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) chopped Italian plum tomatoes in juice
1 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds live mussels, scrubbed, beards removed
Crusty baguette
Directions
Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F) and preheat a grill-proof Dutch oven or deep 12-inch cast-iron pot for 10 minutes.
Cut the fronds from the fennel stalks and roughly chop them. Set aside to garnish the stew. Cut off the thick stalks above the bulb and discard, cut the bulb into quarters, remove the thick triangular-shaped core, and then cut the quarters into thin slices.
Add the chorizo to the Dutch oven and cook over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chorizo to a plate lined with paper towels.
Wearing insulated barbecue mitts pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the Dutch oven, if necessary. Add the fennel, onion, and oil to the Dutch oven, and then cook over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until the vegetables are almost tender, 13 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add the tomatoes, wine, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and continue cooking until the mixture is slightly thickened, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the mussels and cook, with the lid closed, until the shells open, about 5 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open. Stir in the sausage.
Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with the chopped fennel fronds. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Techniques
Grill Skills
Direct Cooking Over Medium Heat
Grill Skills
Fuel Choices
Grill Skills
Using a Chimney Starter
Grill Skills
Two-Zone Fire
Grill Skills
Measuring Heat: The Hand Test
Prep School
Chopping an Onion
Prep School
Mincing Garlic
