Green Mussels Curry

Mussels are a type of clam, usually long and wedge shaped, which grow in the ocean, along the shoreline. The two most commonly eaten mussel types are blue mussels and green-lipped mussels. Mussels can be baked, fried, smoked, broiled or steamed. I love the mussel fry too. Mussels are a popular fast food menu item in many countries. They are a high protein food source. Their low fat content makes them potentially healthier than other protein sources. Mussels are low in calories, and also an excellent source of vitamin B12 and selenium, which is an essential micro-nutrient. Mussels are also good sources of other B vitamins (particularly folate), phosphorus, manganese and zinc. They are a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and are considered an excellent seafood choice.
I tried making a gravy, this gravy when had after 4-5 hour of preparation tastes still yum. Try making this simple Konkani cuisine and I am sure you will love it :)

Ingredients:
Green Mussels- 50 number
1 fine chopped onion for tempering
3 tbsp coconut oil
Salt for taste

Masala paste: Grind the following to fine paste and keep aside
8 byadagi Red chilli (roasted)
6 small Red chilli (roasted)
1 tsp Turmeric powder 
1 small marble size tamarind
1 tbsp coriander seeds (roasted) 
1 tsp cumin seeds (roasted)
1/2 coconut grated (If coconut is small , you can use 1 full)

Method:

• Clean the mussels well and keep it for cooking in 2-3 cup of water. Cook it until the shells get open.

• Now remove the meat part from the shells and keep aside.

• Take a vessel, add the masala paste and add adequate amount of the cooked mussel stock if needed to adjust the thickness of curry. Do not add more liquid. (The stock liquid gives more flavor to the curry, rest stock you can either use for making a soup, which is indeed very nutrient or else can discard it)

• When the gravy is getting to boil well, add the fried onions and mix well. (Onion should be fried to a little caramel color)

• Now add the Mussel meat into the gravy and adjust the salt. Bring the gravy to one boil and then switch off the flame. Serve the Mussel curry along steam rice/Roti/Dosa. It is just yumm.. :)

 

Padmashree Raikar

@ gHara javaN