Yamal-style Baked Mussels

Ingredients

In this Yamal-inspired adaptation, we infuse the traditional Italian Cozze gratinate with the unique flavors of the Yamal cuisine. The original dish typically includes ingredients such as breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. In the Yamal-style Baked Mussels, we incorporate local ingredients like reindeer fat, wild herbs, and Arctic char roe to add a distinct Arctic touch. The flavors are enhanced by the use of traditional Yamal spices, giving the dish a delightful twist. We alse have the original recipe for Cozze gratinate, so you can check it out.

• 24 fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded 24 fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons reindeer fat (or substitute with butter) 2 tablespoons reindeer fat (or substitute with butter)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon wild herbs (such as Arctic thyme or Labrador tea), finely chopped 1 tablespoon wild herbs (such as Arctic thyme or Labrador tea), finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Arctic char roe (substitute with salmon roe if unavailable) 2 tablespoons Arctic char roe (substitute with salmon roe if unavailable)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a small pan, melt the reindeer fat over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. 4.
   Remove from heat and stir in the chopped wild herbs.
5. 5.
   Place the cleaned mussels on a baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Spoon a small amount of the herb and garlic mixture onto each mussel.
7. 7.
   Top each mussel with a pinch of Arctic char roe.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the mussels are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of the Yamal region.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Reindeer fat — Reindeer fat adds a unique flavor to the dish. If unavailable, you can substitute it with butter for a similar richness.
• Wild herbs — Arctic thyme or Labrador tea are traditional Yamal herbs that add a distinct flavor. If you can't find them, you can use other aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure to thoroughly clean and debeard the mussels before cooking to remove any sand or grit.
• Serve the Yamal-style Baked Mussels with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the herb and garlic mixture before topping the mussels.
• Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors of the Yamal region.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the mussels over a bed of steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Serving advice

Serve the Yamal-style Baked Mussels as an appetizer or as part of a seafood feast. Arrange the mussels on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, serve the Yamal-style Baked Mussels in their shells on a bed of rock salt or crushed ice. This not only keeps the mussels chilled but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.