Baked Mussels with Herbed Breadcrumb Topping

Ingredients

• 24 fresh mussels 24 fresh mussels
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Scrub the mussels under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that are open or damaged.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. 4.
   Place the mussels on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each mussel.
5. 5.
   Bake the mussels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the mussels cool slightly before serving. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and alive before cooking. Discard any mussels that do not close when tapped or do not open after cooking.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a hint of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the breadcrumb topping before baking.
• Serve the mussels with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the mussels before taking a bite.
• If you prefer a more garlicky flavor, increase the amount of minced garlic in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Mussels with Herbed Breadcrumb Topping as an appetizer or a main course. Arrange the mussels on a platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs for an attractive presentation. Provide lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the mussels before enjoying.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, serve the Baked Mussels with Herbed Breadcrumb Topping in individual serving dishes or on small plates. Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal.