Greenshell Mussels With Mixed Homemade Chips

Indulge in a delectable seafood delight with this greenshell mussels recipe accompanied by my favorite mixed homemade chuncky chips.

Jump to:

• What are greenshell mussels?
• Greenshell mussels from New Zealand are renowned for:
• ‼️ Greenshell mussels vs other types of mussels
• 🥘 Ingredients
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Tips and Tricks
• ❓FAQs
• 🦞 More seafood recipes you may like
• 🧾 Greenshell mussels with mixed homemade chips

What are greenshell mussels?

Also known as green-lipped mussels, these gems from the sea are a New Zealand specialty, celebrated for their plump and flavorful meat. Paired with a side of hand-cut, golden-brown homemade chips, this dish offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Greenshell mussels from New Zealand are renowned for:

• being one of the cleanest, safest, and thus healthiest seafood around due to the clean waters they come from;
• a high content of haem-iron, an animal-sourced iron known to be easily absorbed by the human body (100g streamed mussels, 12mg compared to the same amount of 100g of cooked steak which contains 3.4mg);
• a high level of proteins: 6 mussels (100g) contain almost 25% of daily protein intake as well as the Omega 3’s (crucial for our bones and brain's health);

They are great stuff, I know, ... and if you haven’t eaten them before, I am sure you will have them now after reading all of this.

Once you have cooked these at home, I promise and reassure you, that you will never, ever eat mussels in a restaurant again. They are just fantastic and so easy to make too!!

‼️ Greenshell mussels vs other types of mussels

I have cooked these green-shelled mussels for many years now and I have to say that as much as I love the small black or blue mussels, I prefer those. They are meatier and, to me, tastier too.

Each type of mussel brings its unique combination of flavor and texture to the table, providing a diverse range of options for seafood enthusiasts. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired culinary application.

• Green-lipped Mussels (Perna canaliculus or Greenshell Mussels):
  • Flavor: Robust and slightly briny with a hint of sweetness.
  • Texture: Firm and meaty.
  • Size: Larger and heartier than blue mussels.
  • Unique Feature: The greenish edge of the shell gives it a distinctive appearance.
• Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis):
  • Flavor: Sweet and mild.
  • Texture: Tender and succulent.
  • Size: Smaller compared to other varieties.
  • Availability: Widely cultivated and commonly found.
• British Mussels (Mytilus edulis):
  • Flavor: Sweet and delicate, reflecting the characteristics of the local waters.
  • Texture: Tender and succulent, with a pleasing firmness.
  • Size: Typically medium-sized, comparable to blue mussels from other regions.
  • Harvest: Sustainably harvested from British coastal waters.
  • Seasonality: Available year-round, with peak freshness during colder months.
  • Culinary Versatility: Well-suited for a variety of dishes, from classic moules marinières to innovative seafood creations. British mussels thrive in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the British Isles. Known for their delightful flavor profile and versatile culinary applications, these mussels contribute to the vibrant seafood offerings of the region.
• Black Mussels (Choromytilus meridionalis):
  • Flavor: Rich and full-bodied.
  • Texture: Plump and tender.
  • Size: Similar to blue mussels.
  • Habitat: Typically found in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Atlantic Mussels (Mytilus trossulus):
  • Flavor: Delicate and sweet.
  • Texture: Tender with a medium firmness.
  • Size: Similar to blue mussels.
  • Geographical Range: Found in colder waters, especially in the northern Atlantic.

🥘 Ingredients

For the mussels:

• mussels
• shallots
• Himalayan salt
• pepper 
• garlic 
• white wine
• double cream
• soft cheese
• creme fraiche
• butter
• fresh parsley 

For the homemade chips:

• potatoes 
• sweet potatoes 
• celeriac 
• rapeseed oil
• olive oil
• sea salt

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips and Tricks

Cleaning Greenshell Mussels:

1. Inspect and Discard: Before cooking, check each mussel for damage or open shells. Discard any mussels that do not close when lightly tapped—they may be dead and unsafe to eat.
2. Debearding: Mussels have a fibrous "beard" that needs to be removed. Simply grasp the beard between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward the hinge of the shell. Trim any excess with kitchen scissors.
3. Rinse and Scrub: Rinse the mussels under cold running water to remove any sand or debris. Use a brush to scrub the shells and ensure they are clean.
4. Soaking: Soak the cleaned mussels in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. This helps them expel any remaining sand or grit.
5. Use Fresh Mussels: Choose fresh mussels from a reputable source for the best flavor and quality.

Getting Perfectly Crispy Homemade Chips:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the crispiest results. The higher the starch content the fluffier the interior.
2. Cut Uniformly: Cut the potato wedges and sweet potato strips into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others are overly crispy.
3. Coating Technique: Toss the potato wedges and sweet potato strips in a mixture of flour and seasonings. This helps create a crispy exterior during baking. This is optional but it helps to know.
4. Cooking the Chips in the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature before placing the chips inside. A hot oven promotes faster cooking and better crisping.
5. Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Spread the coated wedges and strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
6. Flip Halfway Through: Turn the chips halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides achieve an even golden brown color and crispiness.

❓FAQs

🦞 More seafood recipes you may like

More recipes you may like:

• Vegan mushrooms and polenta
• Macaroni pasta with ground walnuts and cardamom
• Linguini pasta with clams and squid
• Chicken with garlic, vegetable tomato sauce and polenta
• Pork and seafood risotto with turmeric and long pepper
• Delicious and super healthy Lamb Curry
• Bread Rolls With Olives, Chia Seeds And Crushed Black Pepper
• Blue Cheese, Walnut And Dates Syrup Little Boats
• Buffalo Chicken Bites With Spinach And Blue Cheese
• Rainbow Trout With Potatoes And Spring Garlic
• Easy Protein Brownie Recipe

Get ready to savor the ocean's goodness in every bite, as the tender mussels blend seamlessly with the satisfying crunch of our carefully crafted chips. Elevate your dining experience with this simple yet sensational recipe.

Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page if you have made this recipe and liked it. Thank you so much for stopping by!