Try This Mouthwatering Recipe: Baked Mussels with a Twist

Imagine sitting at the table, in front of a steaming dish that encapsulates all the flavors of the sea. Today, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step preparation of a dish that is a true ode to maritime traditions: baked mussels with a twist. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner with friends to a Sunday lunch with family, this recipe will become your ace in the hole when you want to impress your guests.

I still remember the first time I tasted this dish: it was a summer evening and the air was filled with the scent of the sea. Every bite was a discovery, the crunchiness of the gratin meeting the softness of the mussels in an unforgettable combination. Since then, these baked delights have become synonymous with conviviality and joy for me.

In our version, we’ll also add cultivated mushrooms to further enrich the flavor. And don’t forget the final twist: a sprinkle of grated lemon zest before baking will give your dish that surprisingly fresh touch that will make it unforgettable! So get ready to roll up your sleeves; with simple yet sophisticated ingredients and clear, effective procedures, you are about to create something special!

Recipe Notes

• EASE: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
• PROS: Deliciously baked mussels with a zesty lemon twist.
• CONS: It does take some time to clean and prep the mussels for cooking.
• PREPARATION: Cleaning, cooking, stuffing, and baking the mussels.
• NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 300 calories per serving.

Notes on the Ingredients for the Recipe

• Mussels: these nutrient-rich mollusks provide a good source of protein and essential minerals.
• White Wine: adds a touch of acidity and aroma to the mussels.
• Parsley: brings freshness and color to the dish.
• Butter: contributes creaminess and flavor to the baked mussels.
• Olive Oil: a fundamental ingredient that enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Garlic: adds an intense aroma to the baked mussels.
• Breadcrumbs: creates a crispy, golden gratin topping.
• Salt and Pepper: for adjusting the taste according to personal preferences.
• Cultivated Mushrooms: enrich the filling with flavor and texture.

Nutritional Aspects

Let’s explore the benefits of baked mussels, a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with goodness:

• Mussels are a great source of lean protein and iron.
• They contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
• With moderate use of butter and olive oil, they are low in saturated fats.
• Rich in minerals such as zinc, iodine, and selenium for overall well-being.
• White wine adds antioxidants without weighing down the dish.
• Only 300 calories per serving, making it ideal for a light yet nourishing meal.
• Cultivated mushrooms: low in calories and a good source of fiber.

Recipe for Cozze Al Gratin

Mussels au gratin are a delightful dish, perfect for any occasion. Recipe with simple ingredients like white wine, garlic, parsley, butter, and breadcrumbs. The mussels are stuffed with a delicious mixture of mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then baked until golden. A final sprinkle of grated lemon zest adds a unique freshness to the dish.

Servings 4

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1000 g Mussels
• 1 Glass Wine White
• Parsley as needed
• 50 g Butter
• 2 tbsp Oil Olive
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 50 g Breadcrumbs
• Salt Pinch of
• Pepper Pinch of
• Mushrooms Cultivated as needed

Instructions

• Scrape and wash the mussels thoroughly under cold running water.
• Place the mussels in a large pan with the olive oil, crushed garlic, and finely chopped parsley.
• Sprinkle with half a glass of white wine and cook over high heat until the mussels open.
• Remove the mussels from the pan, strain the broth and set it aside.
• Open the mussels, discarding the empty shell and keeping the one with the mollusk.
• Clean the mushrooms, finely chop them, and sauté them with some of the butter, adding chopped garlic and parsley to taste.
• Soften the breadcrumbs in the mussel broth until it reaches a moist but not too liquid consistency.
• Combine the sautéed mushrooms with the breadcrumbs, season with salt and pepper, and mix until homogeneous.
• Spread a first layer of the mixture on the mussel shells, place the mollusk on top, and cover with the remaining mixture, leveling the surface.
• Place the stuffed mussels in a lightly oiled baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 10-15 minutes or until golden on the surface.

Notes

To give a special touch to the recipe, add a final sprinkle of grated lemon zest before baking the gratin mussels; this will give the dish a unique freshness that pairs perfectly with the sea flavor!

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 300kcal

Course: Seafood

Keyword: Breadcrumbs, butter, Calories, garlic, Gratin mussels, Lemon Zest, mushrooms, Olive Oil, parsley, pepper, Preparation time, Recipe, Salt, Twist, white wine

Variations for Baked Mussels Recipe

Customize the basic recipe with these delicious and creative variations:

• Add a handful of grated cheese to the mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
• Swap the mushrooms for halved cherry tomatoes for a fresher and lighter alternative.
• Try incorporating some Genovese pesto into the breadcrumbs for an unexpected explosion of taste.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe

If you’re unsure about how to make Baked Mussels, here are the answers to the most common questions.

How to properly clean the mussels before cooking?

Thoroughly scrub and wash the mussels under cold running water to remove any sand or impurities.

How to tell if the mussels are good to use?

Fresh mussels are closed; if some don’t open after being cooked, discard them as they may not be safe to eat.

How to achieve a moist but not too liquid breadcrumb topping?

Soften the breadcrumbs in the mussel broth until you get a moist but not overly liquid consistency.

How to make the recipe even fresher and tastier?

For a special touch, add a sprinkle of grated lemon zest before baking the gratinated mussels.