Emirati-style Spiced Mussel Stew

Ingredients

In this Emirati adaptation, the traditional French dish of Moules parquées is transformed into a spiced mussel stew with Emirati flavors. The original dish typically features mussels cooked in white wine and served with a creamy sauce. However, in this Emirati-style version, the mussels are cooked in a fragrant broth infused with Emirati spices, creating a unique and flavorful twist. We alse have the original recipe for Moules parquées, so you can check it out.

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded 2 kg (4.4 lbs) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 2 cups (470 ml) fish or vegetable broth 2 cups (470 ml) fish or vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   Add the ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and saffron threads to the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and tomato mixture.
5. 5.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Add the cleaned mussels to the pot and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened.
7. 7.
   Discard any mussels that have not opened.
8. 8.
   Season the stew with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Emirati-style Spiced Mussel Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Make sure to thoroughly clean and debeard the mussels before cooking to remove any sand or debris. Discard any mussels that are cracked or do not close when tapped.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier stew, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Serve the stew with warm Arabic bread or fragrant rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
• For an extra touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the stew before serving.
• If you don't have saffron threads, you can substitute with a pinch of turmeric for color and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Feel free to customize the spice blend to your taste by adjusting the amounts of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.

Serving advice

Serve the Emirati-style Spiced Mussel Stew hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with warm Arabic bread or fragrant rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Emirati-style Spiced Mussel Stew with a sprig of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the stew in beautiful ceramic bowls or traditional Emirati serving dishes to enhance the presentation.