Batter-fried Mussels with Garlic Sauce Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🥘 Yield: Serves 4-6
Description: Crispy batter-fried mussels paired with a creamy garlic sauce make for a delightful dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups flour
- Salt
- 4-6 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mussels:
- Start by washing the mussels thoroughly, scrubbing their shells and removing any beards with a sharp knife.
- Place the cleaned mussels in a large pot with about two inches of water.
- Cover the pot and steam the mussels until they open, which usually takes around six to seven minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the mussels from the pot and drain them, discarding any that haven’t opened.
- Remove the mussels from their shells and place them in a colander.
- Lightly season the mussels with salt, then toss them with about one and a half cups of flour until they are evenly coated. Tap the colander to remove any excess flour.
-
Fry the Mussels:
- Heat a large skillet with about one and a half inches of oil until it’s almost smoking.
- Carefully add the coated mussels to the hot oil in batches, frying them until they turn crisp and golden brown.
- Once fried, remove the mussels from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
-
Prepare the Garlic Sauce (Skordalia):
- In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, crush the garlic cloves with a pinch of salt until they form a paste.
- Add the walnuts to the garlic paste and continue crushing or pulsing until the mixture becomes coarse.
- Dampen the bread under running water and then squeeze out the excess moisture. Add the dampened bread to the garlic and walnut mixture.
- Process or pound the mixture until it becomes mealy.
- Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, alternating between the two, while continuing to mix or pound until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy batter-fried mussels warm alongside the creamy garlic sauce (skordalia).
- These mussels are perfect as a standalone appetizer or as part of a larger meal. They pair wonderfully with fresh or fried vegetables and various types of fish.
With this recipe, you can impress your guests with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The crispy exterior of the mussels contrasts beautifully with the creamy and garlicky sauce, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and treat yourself to a taste sensation that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire! 🍽️🐚
