Grilled Mussels with Herb, Garlic and Lemon Crumbs

, from Issue #58. September, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Grilled Mussels with Herb, Garlic and Lemon Crumbs

Top tender mussels with these buttery, garlicky bread crumbs for a lovely crisp contrast. Devour while hot!

INGREDIENTS

24 mussels
olive oil for drizzling

Crumbs
1¼ cups fresh breadcrumbs (I used sourdough bread)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan 
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
pinch chilli flakes
3 tablespoons melted butter
finely grated zest 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, crushed
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Put the mussels in a large saucepan with a splash of water. Cook over a high heat and remove to a plate as they open. Discard any that don’t open.

When cool remove the top shells from each mussel and place them on a baking tray. 

Release the mussels and check for crabs. Place a mussel in each clean top shell. This makes for easy eating. Strain the cooking juices and spoon a little over each mussel. Cover and refrigerate if not cooking immediately. 

Crumbs: Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, parsley and chilli flakes in a bowl. In another bowl, combine the butter, zest and garlic then pour over the crumbs and stir well so they are all damp with the butter. 

Preheat the grill to its highest setting.

Place a spoonful of crumbs over each mussel then drizzle with a little olive oil.

Place under the grill for 1-2 minutes until the crumbs are golden. Serve immediately. Makes 24