Venus Rice with Seafood

Name: Venus Rice with Seafood
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Black Venus rice 1.67 cups; Mussels 2.2 lbs; Clams 1.5 lbs; Shrimps code 8; Parsley minced 2 tsp; Garlic 4 cloves; Black pepper to taste; Olive oil extra virgin 5 tablespoons; Cherry tomatoes 8; Fine salt to taste

it es de br fr

485

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 485
Carbohydrates g 66.9
of which sugars g 4.3
Protein g 25.2
Fats g 13
of which saturated fat g 1.95
Fiber g 1.4
Cholesterol mg 185
Sodium mg 483

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serving: 4
Cost: High

PRESENTATION

Black rice with seafood is a dish from Northern Italy, especially loved in places like Lombardy and Veneto. You know, this black rice seafood recipe is unique because it uses riso venere, which is naturally dark and aromatic—super unique, right? This rice gives the dish a striking look. Unlike the Spanish arroz negro recipe or other squid ink rice dishes, this Italian version relies solely on the rice’s natural color, making it both beautiful and lighter in taste. So here's the thing, the mix of mussels, clams, shrimp and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a tender bite with a bit of briny flavor. The contrast of black rice, bright tomatoes, and pink shrimp makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasions.

In Northern Italy, people sometimes add swordfish or broccoli, offering a twist on the traditional black rice seafood recipe. And you know what? Unlike a typical seafood risotto, this dish keeps its grains a bit more al dente, providing a chewy texture that works so well with the fresh seafood. It's a favorite during holidays or family gatherings because it feels fancy but not too heavy. Seriously good. The rice gives off a nutty aroma as it cooks, and when served with all that seafood, it looks festive. Really festive. It reflects how Lombardy and Veneto merge regional rice with classic Mediterranean seafood. Pretty much culinary creativity at its best. Whether you think of it as Italian squid ink rice or a cousin to black paella, this modern Italian version is all about elegance and those rich, savory flavors that remind you of the sea. People pick it for its special taste and stunning presentation—perfect for meals that need a little extra flair.

How to prepare Venus Rice with Seafood

To prepare Venus rice with seafood, start by boiling the black rice in salted water, cook it, and drain it leaving it very al dente 1.
Meanwhile, select the mussels one by one; wash them, remove the beard, and scrape the shell very well. Also, select the clams one by one, wash them, and let them purge with water and salt until it's time to use them.
In a pan, place two tablespoons of oil and a garlic clove to brown 2; then throw in the clams 3, wait until they open, then turn off the heat.

In another fairly large pot, place the mussels, chopped parsley, 2 chopped garlic cloves, a bit of pepper, and let them cook until the shellfish open 4.
Shell the shrimp tails (except for 4 that you will use to decorate the plates) and cut them into pieces 5. Meanwhile, shell the clams and mussels (leaving some whole for plate decoration) and strain the cooking water from both 6 which you will use to flavor the rice.

In a non-stick pan, place 3 tablespoons of oil, a crushed garlic clove, and add the cherry tomatoes cut into 4 parts 7: cook them for a few minutes and then add the shrimp tails 8 and the black rice 9.

Stir, add 2/3 tablespoons of the shellfish cooking water to give flavor, and add the mussels and clams 10, chopped parsley 11, and pepper. Mix the ingredients and plate, decorating each plate with a whole mussel, some clams with shell, and a whole shrimp tail 12.

Tip

To prepare black rice with seafood, you can get pre-cooked Venus rice, which you will find in convenient bags at the most stocked supermarkets: this trick will significantly reduce the preparation time of the recipe, saving you at least 40 minutes.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Venus Rice with Seafood

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Venus Rice with Seafood

Tip

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