cooking mussels

I'm thinking of making paella for FH's bday on sunday but I've never done this before. The recipe calls for mussels. I'm considering leaving them out but if I don't, how do I cook them? How do I know when they're done? The recipe also calls for 1/2 lb fresh fish. Does this mean I can choose whatever fish I want? I thought that was a little vague

Re: cooking mussels

Ok...I asked my mom who is a huge paella maker. (I'm a sometimes paella maker!) First, she does not use "fresh fish" filet. Additionally, as a rule she does not use mussels or clams either. However, when she does, she steams them. one inch of water, when water boils put mussels in, cover and lower heat and steam for 5-6 minutes or until they open. Drain...you should not add to rice until it is done (otherwise they will be too tough and overcooked).

Here's mom's paella recipe (she just uses lobster and shrimp)

2 cups carolina rice
4 cups water
butter
salt
couple of srands of saffron
cook according to directions

Lobster - 4-6 lobster tails
Defrost 2 hrs before
Boil water and put lobster on med heat for 12-15 minutes
In separate pot...
shrimp 1lb+ add to boiling water. Cook on med for 6 munutes

Sauce
3-4 tsps oil - add more if needed
3/4-1 Fresh green pepper chopped
2 or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 big onions, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
6 garlic cloves, chopped or minced
1/2 red cherry pepper, chopped fine
5-10 black or green olives

Saute for 15 munutes on Med. Low

Mix sauce, rice and seafood together in large casserole dish and bake for 5-10 minutes in oven 375. Cook longer, if needed - it must be hot- Enjoy!!

Feel free to FM if you have any questions!

Re: cooking mussels

you're awesome. That sounds delicious. I don't know how to cook lobster tails either, I am seafood challenged! Do I have to steam them first and then shell out the meat?

Re: cooking mussels

Yes, that is exactly what you do...my rule of thumb when it comes to lobster is that when they turn red, they're done...similar to shrimp...when they turn pink, they're done...nothing worse than overcooked shellfish

Re: cooking mussels

I've never made paella but, I've cooked mussels before.

First, you need to clean them and make sure they are alive. If the shells are closed, they are alive. If the shells are open, you need to tap on them, and if they close up they are alive.

I usually steam them - you know they are done when the shell opens.