Curried Mussels: A Flavorful Adventure with Naan and Bhajis

Craving a dish that bursts with flavour, look no further than curried mussels, the original fast food. Nothing beats a fragrant steaming bowl of mussels, and in this recipe, tender shellfish, soak up a rich, creamy, tomato-ey, Garam Masala spiced curry sauce ... Perfect for sharing whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, this dish showcases the humble mussel in an exciting way, paired with crispy onion bhajis, fluffy naans, and chunky chips, the combination of spices and sides ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied.

The Beauty of Mussels

Mussels are not just a tasty seafood option; they are also a powerhouse of nutrition. For example, a serving of mussels (about 3.5 ounces) contains around 20 grams of protein and only 146 calories. They are rich in important vitamins like B12, which is essential for nerve health, and minerals such as zinc, which boosts immune function. Additionally, mussels are sustainable, often farmed in a way that has a low impact on the environment. By choosing mussels, you support both your health and the planet.

I used ready prepared mussels to make this a quick and simple to prepare dish, the garlicky sauce that accompanies the prepared mussels really adds to the depth of flavour.

Curried Mussels - The Recipe

Ingredients

• 15 ml vegetable oil

• 2 packs of ready-prepared mussels in garlic and shallot sauce

• 1 onion, peeled and diced

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely chopped

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 2 tbsp garam masala

• A splash of water

• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)

• Pinch of sugar

• 200 ml coconut milk

• A small bunch of chopped coriander

Method

Cooking the Aromatics

Let’s ignite our cooking adventure! Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Stir occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent.

Next, incorporate the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and cumin seeds and cook for about a minute to release their essential oils and deepen the flavours.

Sprinkle in ground coriander, chili powder, and garam masala. Toast these spices gently in the pan for about a minute to enhance their fragrance. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water to combine everything into a fragrant paste that forms the foundation of your curry.

Introducing the Tomatoes and Coconut Milk

Pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes with a pinch of sugar, followed by the coconut milk. This addition not only enriches the sauce but also balances the heat of the spices beautifully. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Feel free to season it with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.

Adding the Mussels

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to add the prepared mussels! Gently fold them into the curry with the sauce in the packet, making sure each mussel is well-coated in the curry sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.. Discard any mussels that remain closed, as they are not safe to eat.

Finishing Touches

Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped coriander over the top. This adds a burst of colour and freshness that elevates the dish. Serve your curried mussels piping hot, ideally paired with crispy onion bhajis, fluffy naan, and chunky chips. This trio not only complements the curry but also adds a variety of textures that everyone at the table will love.