Kallummakaya / Mussels Kabsa

Ingredients:

2 cups sella basmati rice / long grain basmati rice

1/2 kg mussels / kallummakaya

1 tsp + 1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp + 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp lemon juice

salt to taste

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped

3 green chillies

1/2 tsp pepper powder

2 tsp arabic masala / kabsa masala

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 dried lemons

1 bay leaf

2 piece cinnamon

3 tbsp olive oil

Preparation:

1. Wash the basmati rice and soak in water 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, add cleaned mussels and marinate it with 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, salt and lemon juice for 20 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the marinated mussels for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping in between and keep it aside.
4. Add more oil if required and add dried lemon, cinnamon and bay leaf and saute.
5. Add chopped onion and saute for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add green chillies and chopped garlic and saute for a minute.
7. Add 1 tsp paprika, pepper powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and arabic masala and mix well.
8. Add chopped tomato and tomato paste and saute well. Add salt and cook covered for 5 minutes.
9. Add drained rice and gently mix until combined.
10. Add 3 1/4 cup hot water and adjust the salt and cook over medium flame for 10 minutes.
11. Add the fried mussels on top and cook covered at low flame for 15 minutes till done.
12. Switch off the flame and keep it covered till ready to serve...