Coconut Curry Mussels Delight
This exquisite dish brings together the vibrant and aromatic flavors of coastal India, featuring fresh mussels steeped in a luxurious coconut milk curry. Adapted from Maya Kaimal's 'Savoring the Spice Coast of India,' this recipe captures the essence of Kerala's culinary traditions. The combination of spices like coriander and turmeric lends warmth, while the freshness of cilantro and lemon juice brightens the dish, making it a delightful appetizer for a special gathering. Perfectly paired with crusty bread or steamed rice, this dish is sure to impress seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (none)
Onions
2 cups (thinly sliced)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
Coconut milk
2 cups (none)
Fresh mussels or clams
3 lbs (scrubbed and debearded)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Coriander
3 teaspoons (ground)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Cayenne
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent, then turn golden brown at the edges, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced ginger and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it becomes fragrant.
4
Add the coriander, turmeric, cayenne, and salt; stir for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their essential oils.
5
Pour in the coconut milk and 1 cup of water, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
6
Once boiling, add the scrubbed and debearded mussels to the pot. Gently spoon some sauce over the mussels to infuse them with flavor.
7
Cover the pot and steam for 7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
8
Remove from heat, and sprinkle the dish with fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the mussels are coated in the aromatic sauce.
9
Serve immediately, spooning the mussels and sauce into individual bowls for a delightful presentation. Enjoy with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious coconut curry sauce.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Carbs
19g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Curry Mussels Delight?
Coconut Curry Mussels Delight is an aromatic seafood dish featuring fresh mussels in a coconut milk curry inspired by Kerala's culinary traditions.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 300 calories in this recipe.
What are the primary spices used in the curry?
The primary spices are ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne.
How much coconut milk is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of coconut milk.
Can I substitute the mussels with another type of seafood?
Yes, you can use fresh clams as an alternative to mussels.
How long should the mussels be steamed?
Mussels should be steamed for 7 minutes or until they have opened up.
What should I do with mussels that do not open?
You should discard any mussels that remain closed after the steaming process.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This dish contains 17.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this mussel dish provide?
This recipe provides 19g of protein.
How long do the onions need to be sautéed?
Onions should be sautéed for 8 to 10 minutes until they are translucent and golden brown at the edges.
What preparation is required for the mussels?
The mussels should be scrubbed and debearded before cooking.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Vegetable oil is recommended for sautéing the ingredients.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced ginger.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is best served immediately in individual bowls with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
How much coriander is added to the spice mix?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of ground coriander.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 1.5g of fiber.
What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added at the end to brighten the flavors.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the use of cayenne and aromatic spices gives the dish a spicy profile typical of Kerala cuisine.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of pot is recommended for cooking?
A large Dutch oven is ideal for heating the oil and steaming the mussels.
When should the cilantro be added?
Chopped cilantro is sprinkled over the dish after it has been removed from the heat.
What is the source of inspiration for this dish?
The dish is adapted from Maya Kaimal's 'Savoring the Spice Coast of India'.
How much water should be added to the curry base?
One cup of water is added along with the coconut milk.
How do you prepare the onions?
The onions should be thinly sliced before being sautéed.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
How much cayenne is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne.
Is this dish suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful appetizer for special gatherings.
What is the main aromatic flavor profile?
The dish features a blend of coconut milk, ginger, coriander, and turmeric for a vibrant Indian flavor profile.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
It represents the seafood traditions of Kerala cuisine from coastal India.