Stuffed Mussels
An Irresistible Appetizer for Your Parties
If you’re searching for a delicious and unique appetizer for your next gathering, look no further than Stuffed Mussels. These flavorful seafood bites are not only easy to prepare but are sure to impress your guests, especially those who love shellfish. The mussel meat is seasoned with a variety of spices, sautéed to perfection, and then lovingly stuffed back into the shells. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a quick broil, these mussels turn into a scrumptious bite that will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels (big ones) | 30 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chilli, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced or grated | 4 cloves |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1/2 Tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme Leaves (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Parmesan Cheese (for garnishing, optional) | As needed |
| Oil | 1 Tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mussels:
Begin by opening the mussels carefully and removing the meat from each shell. Make sure to wash and keep aside 15-20 mussel shells to stuff later. -
Sauté the Base:
Heat oil in a medium-sized wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing a lovely aroma. -
Add the Spices:
Stir in the finely chopped green chili, dried thyme leaves (if using), and red chili powder. Fry everything together for a few seconds, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Cook the Mussel Meat:
Add the mussel meat to the wok and cover it. Let it cook on medium heat for about 7-8 minutes. Sprinkle the turmeric powder into the mixture and stir to combine. The mussel meat should be fully cooked and infused with the spices by now. -
Add the Ketchup:
Pour in the tomato ketchup and mix well to coat the mussel meat with the tangy sauce. After mixing thoroughly, remove the wok from the heat. -
Stuff the Mussels:
Take a teaspoon of the cooked mussel mixture and carefully stuff it into each mussel shell. Place all the stuffed mussels on a baking pan, arranging them in a single layer. -
Broil and Finish:
Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed mussel (optional, but recommended for added richness). Broil the stuffed mussels at 350°F (175°C) for about 4 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the mussels from the oven. Serve immediately while hot and fresh, and watch them disappear in no time!
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Lovers: If you adore cheese, feel free to add a generous amount of Parmesan to each mussel for a richer flavor.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme with other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Spice: If you love a little more heat, try adding an extra green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Stuffed Mussels make for an elegant, flavorful, and delightful appetizer for any gathering. Their savory, spicy stuffing paired with the sweet mussel meat and crispy, cheesy top creates a perfect bite-sized treat that will be a crowd favorite.
