Choros a la Chalaca

This take on the classic Peruvian seafood dish of steamed mussels is always a hit at Danielle Bell and Pablo Osorio’s de Porres Dinner Series events. The bright, fresh topping is a kind of salsa criolla, a Peruvian red onion relish with chile and lime. Arrange the mussels on a platter cup side up for a cocktail snack that’s easy to grab one-handed. At their parties Danielle and Pablo sometimes nestle the mussels into coarse salt, like they’re sitting in sand, to keep the cups upright.

Ingredients

2

garlic cloves, 1 smashed, 1 finely grated

tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided

1

lb. mussels, scrubbed, debearded

1

small plum tomato, finely chopped

½

habanero chile, finely chopped

3

Tbsp. finely chopped red onion

1

Tbsp. fresh lime juice

2

Tbsp. cilantro leaves, plus sprigs for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring smashed garlic, 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 3 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add mussels and cook, uncovered, until opened, about 3 minutes. As mussels open, use tongs to transfer them to a medium bowl; discard any mussels that remain closed after 5 minutes or so. Chill mussels 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, stir grated garlic, tomato, chile, onion, lime juice, 2 Tbsp. cilantro, and remaining ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt in a small bowl.

    Step 3

    Remove and discard top shells from mussels. Arrange mussels on a platter; top each with a spoonful of salsa. Scatter cilantro sprigs over.

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