Greek-style Stuffed Mussels

Ingredients

• 24 fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded 24 fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, dill, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Place the cleaned mussels on a baking sheet, ensuring they are tightly closed. If any mussels are open, tap them gently. If they do not close, discard them.
4. 4.
   Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto each mussel, pressing it gently to adhere.
5. 5.
   Bake the stuffed mussels in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Ensure that the mussels are fresh and tightly closed before cooking. Discard any mussels that do not close when tapped.
• Feta cheese — Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a slightly different taste.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh parsley and dill to enhance the flavors of the dish. If unavailable, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the mussels are cooked properly, steam them just until they open. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery mussels.
• Serve the Greek-style Stuffed Mussels with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity that complements the flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture.
• This dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Pair it with a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• If you're not a fan of mussels, you can use the same stuffing mixture to stuff other seafood such as clams or scallops.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Stuffed Mussels hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed mussels on a platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Sprinkle some extra breadcrumbs and herbs on top for an appealing presentation. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a touch of freshness.