Mussel-and-Squid Pilaf with Sweet Spices and Dill

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cups arborio rice (3/4 pound), rinsed
2. Kosher salt
3. 2 garlic cloves, halved
4. 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
5. 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6. 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
7. Large pinch of saffron threads
8. 1 tablespoon dried currants
9. One 1 1/2-inch cinnamon stick
10. 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
11. 3/4 pound cleaned squid, bodies sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch rings, large tentacles halved
12. 4 scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
13. 2 tablespoons chopped dill

1. In a large bowl, cover the rinsed arborio rice with 2 inches of hot water. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and stir thoroughly to dissolve. Let the rice soak for 40 minutes, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil with the garlic halves. Add the mussels, cover and cook over high heat, shaking the pan vigorously a few times, until the mussels open, about 4 minutes. Discard any mussel shells that do not open. Transfer the mussels to a medium bowl. Pour the mussel cooking liquid into a heatproof measuring cup and measure out 2 cups; add water if necessary. Remove the mussels from their shells and transfer to a bowl.
3. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Crumble in the saffron threads and stir in the dried currants, cinnamon stick and allspice. Add the squid and cook, stirring, until it begins to curl, about 1 minute. Add the soaked and drained rice and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the rice starts to stick together, about 3 minutes. Stir in the mussels, the reserved 2 cups of liquid and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook over moderate heat for 12 minutes. Stir in the chopped scallions.
4. Cover the mussel-and-squid pilaf with a clean kitchen towel, then cover with the lid and cook over low heat for 10 minutes without peeking. Remove the pilaf from the heat and keep it in a warm place, covered, for 45 minutes. Stir in the dill, discard the cinnamon stick and serve.