| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 330 | 15g | 3.5g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 24g | 1.2g |
Why I Love New Zealand Mussel Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli
When I first encountered a version of these glorious “Mussel Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli”, I was reminded of my youthful adventures in Midwestern cooking, where the emphasis was always on farm-to-table freshness. This recipe breathes new life into that concept, blending the briny goodness of mussels with the tangy punch of a homemade Lemon Dill Aioli. A true powerhouse of flavors that fondly recalls heavenly weekend brunches at the small, coastal town of Kaikoura, New Zealand, renowned for its spectacular seafood.
A Nod to the Kiwi Kitchen
While my culinary journey started in the wide expanses of Nebraska, it’s the local flavor profiles from around the world that truly sparked my gastronomic exploration. This recipe pays homage to the Kiwi cooking style, as evidenced in the crisp, savory morsels of the Mussel Fritters. Taking inspiration from the seafaring tradition of New Zealand and the culinary genius of renowned local chef, Annabel Langbein, each fritter is filled with the earthy freshness of green onions and dill.
Perfect Pairings
Another reason why I love this recipe is its versatility. These mussel fritters, when studded with bits of refreshing dill and green onion, offer a delightful balance of texture and taste that makes them the perfect accompaniment to just about any meal. Imagine them next to a beautiful avocado salad or a hearty bowl of roasted beets with green beans, their oceanic undertones coalescing with the earthy flavors of these dishes.
But the true crowning glory of this recipe is the Lemon Dill Aioli. The summery burst of fresh lemon juice, paired with the fragrant dill and rich mayonnaise, offers a decadent counterpoint to the robust mussels. It’s a pairing that comfortably straddles the line between comfort food and gourmet fare, enhancing the overall flavor experience and making every bite a delight for the senses.
Ultimately, this recipe is a testament to my love for vibrant flavors, comfort food, and a peaceful, family-centric dining experience. As I continue my culinary journey, it’s recipes like the Mussel Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli that remind me of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place – to bring people together with the simple joy of good food.
What You’ll Need
<li>2 dozen fresh mussels in shell</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/2 cup milk</li>
<li>1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped</li>
<li>3 tablespoons green onion, chopped</li>
<li>Oil for frying</li>
<li>1 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice</li>
<li>1 tablespoon lemon zest</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped</li>
</ul>
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the mussels and steaming them open. Discard any mussels that didn’t open during the steaming process. Remove the mussel flesh from the shells and roughly chop it. Set it aside for later.
Step Two
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and has no lumps.
Step Three
Add the chopped mussels, fresh dill, and green onions to the batter. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Four
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Scoop out spoonfuls of the mussel batter and drop them into the hot oil. Fry the fritters until they are golden brown, then remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
Step Five
Next, prepare the Lemon Dill Aioli. Mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill in a small bowl.
Step Six
Serve the fried mussel fritters with the Lemon Dill Aioli on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
