Gratinated Mussels: A Delicious Seafood Starter
Gratinated mussels, or Cozze Grattinate, are a delightful and savory dish that brings out the best of fresh mussels with a crunchy, flavorful topping. Perfect as an appetizer, this dish is simple to prepare and is sure to impress your guests with its rich, aromatic flavor and satisfying texture. With a combination of fresh mussels, breadcrumbs, Grana Padano cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley, it’s the perfect seafood treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels | 500g |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Grana Padano DOP (Grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Fresh parsley | 10g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Clean the Mussels
To begin, clean your mussels properly. Discard any mussels that are already open or cracked, as these are no longer fresh. The ones that remain closed are the ones you’ll want to use. Place the mussels in a colander and rinse them under cold, running water to remove any sand or grit.
Next, carefully remove the “beard” (also called bisso), which is the fibrous thread attached to the mussel shell. To do this, grab the beard with a firm grip and pull it away from the shell towards the outside. This can be a bit tricky, but a steady hand will do the trick.
Step 2: Open the Mussels
Once the mussels are clean, it’s time to open them. Hold a small, sharp knife and gently insert it into the gap between the two shells of each mussel. Carefully work the knife along the edges of the shell to gently pry them open, making sure not to damage the mussel meat. The goal is to keep the mussel attached to the bottom shell.
After opening each mussel, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Save the water that accumulates from the mussels as it is rich in flavor and can be used to enhance your dish later.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
Now, let’s prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Grana Padano cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, and the zest of one lemon. Add one clove of garlic, either finely minced or pressed, to infuse the mixture with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Pour in 30g of extra virgin olive oil and mix everything together until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should be slightly damp, but not soggy. If it’s too dry, feel free to add a little more olive oil.
Step 4: Stuff the Mussels
Using a small spoon, carefully scoop the breadcrumb mixture onto each opened mussel. Press the topping gently so that it sticks to the mussel, but ensure you don’t overload them. The breadcrumb topping should form a light, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Mussels
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the tray of mussels in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mussels are fully cooked. You can also give them a quick broil for the last 1-2 minutes to make the tops even crispier, but be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the mussels are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the mussels and add a fresh crack of black pepper for an extra kick. Serve your gratinated mussels warm as a delicious appetizer to accompany a light, fresh salad, or as part of a larger seafood feast.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Flavor: You can add a bit of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano along with the Grana Padano for an extra cheesy kick.
- Herb Options: If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, feel free to use basil or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest is essential for adding brightness to the dish. If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the mussels right before serving.
These mussels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with a chilled glass of white wine or a light aperitif. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for a gathering or simply craving something decadent for yourself, these gratinated mussels are sure to satisfy every palate.
