xo amys

Gratinated mussels are the perfect start to a dinner party. It creates a fun casual setting and is a great tapas when socializing. I love seafood and these mussels bring back great childhood memories of Spain. Most preparation can be done in advance so perfect if your having guests over!

Ingredients (makes about 24 mussels)

• Greenshell mussels (I used halved frozen ones, that I defrosted overnight in the refrigerator)
• About 180-200g Butter (room temperature)
• Parsley
• 3-5 Garlic Cloves Grated
• Dry Bread Crumbs (for example yesterdays loaf- this adds a great crunch)
• Black Pepper
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Finger Salt
•  Red Chili
• Squeeze of Lemon
• Optional:  Rapeseed oil (if there seems to be too little paste, add a bit of oil) or you can add less butter and compensate with oil if you prefer

Directions

Detach the mussel from the shell and chop into rough smaller pieces (Remove beard if attached) and place back into shell. Repeat this with each mussel as this makes it easier to eat. There may be some juice in the shells so try to save some as this adds great flavour.

Stuffing: In a bowl, mix the butter, grated garlic, chopped parsley/ chili and oil (if needed). Add some grated parmesan cheese, black pepper dried bread crumbs. There is no real measurements needed for this recipe, just make sure the mixture is not too liquid.

Place the mussels on an oven grid as this prevents them from tilting over and spilling the juices. (Tip: Place aluminum foil underneath incase spillage occurs) Place a little bread crumb on each mussel and then add a generous amount of stuffing on top of each mussel. Add black pepper and grated cheese.

Place into the oven (200 C) for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown. As they come out of the oven, sprinkle a bit of finger salt and squeeze lemon and they are ready to be eaten with fingers of course! Usually these are easiest eaten straight of the oven grid making it a great social tapas that everyone stands around.