African-inspired Spiced Mussel Sandwich

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of the Spanish Bocadillo de mejillones, we incorporate African spices and flavors to give the dish an authentic African twist. The original Spanish dish typically uses Mediterranean spices and ingredients, while our version incorporates cumin, coriander, and paprika to infuse the mussels with the vibrant flavors of Africa. Additionally, we enhance the sandwich with a zesty tomato and onion salsa and a tangy yogurt sauce, which are commonly used in African cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Bocadillo de mejillones, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 crusty bread rolls 4 crusty bread rolls
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic.
3. 3.
   Add the cleaned mussels to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.
4. 4.
   While the mussels are cooking, prepare the salsa by combining the diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the plain yogurt and chopped mint to make the yogurt sauce.
6. 6.
   Slice the crusty bread rolls in half and lightly toast them.
7. 7.
   Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a generous amount of the yogurt sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Top with a portion of the cooked mussels and spoonfuls of the tomato and onion salsa. Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
8. 8.
   Serve the African Spiced Mussel Sandwiches immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking, as they may be unsafe to consume.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the mussels.
• For a refreshing twist, add a few slices of avocado to the sandwich.
• If you cannot find fresh mussels, you can use frozen mussels. Thaw them according to the package instructions before cooking.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to add variety to the sandwich.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the African Spiced Mussel Sandwiches as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwiches with a sprig of fresh cilantro or mint. Serve them on a wooden board or a colorful plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.