Tigres (Mejillones)

Tigres (Mejillones) are a delicious Spanish appetizer featuring mussels stuffed with a savory mixture of spices, breadcrumbs, and cheese, offering a delightful blend of flavors. This dish is perfect for sharing and showcases the rich culinary traditions of Spanish coastal cuisine.

Ingredients

• Fresh mussels - 500 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, finely chopped
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Breadcrumbs - 50 grams
• Grated cheese (like Manchego) - 50 grams
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon wedges - for serving

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Clean the mussels under cold running water, scrubbing the shells to remove any debris. Discard any mussels that are open and do not close when tapped.
3. In a large pot, add the cleaned mussels and cover with a lid. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels open. Discard any that remain closed.
4. Remove the mussels from the pot and let them cool slightly. Carefully take out the mussel meat from the shells and set aside, keeping the shells for later use.
5. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
6. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the reserved mussel meat and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese until well combined.
8. Spoon the mixture back into the reserved mussel shells, packing them gently.
9. Place the stuffed mussels on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
10. Serve the Tigres hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

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