Chilled Mediterranean Seafood Salad

A culinary delight for any seafood enthusiast. Mussels, shrimp, calamari… need I say more??

Ingredients:

1 pound mussels
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2/3 pound shrimp in the shell (16 to 20 per pound)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2/3 pound cleaned calamari bodies, cut into rings
salt, to taste
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chile flakes

Directions:

• In a large pot, place the mussels and garlic and add water to barely cover.
• Over high heat and covered, cook the mussels until they open.
• Using tongs, transfer the mussels into a bowl, set aside the cooking liquid. Dispose of any mussels that are not opened at that time.
• Place in refrigerator until chilled.
• In the cooking liquid add the shrimp and simmer until just cooked. Remove shrimp from the pot and place in refrigerator until chilled .
• Strain the cooking liquid through a thick piece of cheesecloth and place in refrigerator to chill.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add calamari, season with salt and sauté until cooked.
• Chill in refrigerator at least one hour.
• Remove the mussels and shrimp from their shells.
• Combine the mussels, shrimp and calamari in a bowl. Add lemon juice, chile flakes, parsley and extra virgin olive oil. Add approximately 1/2 cup of the chilled liquid to make a dressing.

Presentation:

Present in a large clear glass bowl to show off this brilliant salad.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Fetzer Pinot Grigio

Gourmet Food Recipe: Chilled Mediterranean Seafood Salad