Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mussel, Cockle And Clam Masala
Cockles (high in protein and iron) and clams (rich in vitamin B12) combine perfectly with cold pressed olive oil.
Purchase Evoo
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Amount
4
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Time
15 Minutes
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Course
Main Dishes
Using Cold Pressed Olive Oil in a Healthy Mediterranean Diet
Morocco Gold cold pressed olive oil is rich in polyphenols and naturally occurring antioxidants, valued for both flavour and quality.
As a key part of Mediterranean-style cooking, extra virgin olive oil is widely used in everyday dishes, bringing depth and balance to seafood, vegetables and spice-based recipes.
Cold pressed to preserve natural polyphenols and antioxidants, Morocco Gold delivers superior flavour and nutrition without heat or chemicals.
Why Pair Cold Pressed Olive Oil with Cockles & Clams?
Cockles (high in protein and iron) and clams (rich in vitamin B12) combine perfectly with cold pressed olive oil. Together they create a nutrient-dense Mediterranean dish packed with flavour and Mediterranean character — delicious and satisfying.
Key Points At A Glance
- Serves 4
- Mediterranean-style shellfish masala
- Uses extra virgin olive oil to carry spices
- Quick-cooking seafood dish
- Best served fresh with rice or crusty bread
Ingredients
Total
- 1Âľkg (4lb) mixed live mussels, cockles and small clams, cleaned
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp roughly chopped coriander
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cloves
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 onions, quartered
- 8 large garlic cloves
- 50g (2oz) fresh ginger, chopped
- A walnut-sized piece of seedless tamarind pulp
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 3 medium-hot red chillies, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 40g (1½oz) creamed coconut
Instructions
Total
- For the masala paste, heat a dry heavy-based frying pan over a medium-high heat.
- Add the coriander seeds, cloves and cumin seeds and cook until they darken slightly and start to smell aromatic.
- Tip into a spice grinder and grind to a powder. Put this mixture and all the other paste ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan, add the masala paste and fry for a few minutes until it starts to separate from the oil.
- Add the mussels, cockles and clams, cover and cook over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan now and then, until they have all opened.
- Add a little water if there is not quite enough sauce, season with a little salt if necessary, then add the chopped coriander.
- Mix the mussel, cockle and clam shellfish soup together and spoon into warmed bowls and serve.
Discover the health properties of Morocco Gold. An extra virgin olive oil that has great taste, tradition, and health properties
From The Larder
Cooking Tips For Shellfish Masala
Always clean mussels, cockles and clams thoroughly before cooking. Discard any that are open before cooking or remain closed afterwards.
A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the masala paste cook evenly and supports the balance of spices without overpowering the seafood.
Serving & Storage
- Serving: Serve immediately in warmed bowls.
- Accompaniments: Rice or crusty bread pairs well with the masala sauce.
- Storage: Shellfish dishes are best enjoyed fresh and are not ideal for long storage.
FAQs About Mussel, Cockle & Clam Masala
Can I use only mussels or only clams?
Yes. The recipe works well with any one type of shellfish if mixed varieties are not available.
How do I know when shellfish is cooked?
Shellfish are cooked when their shells open fully. Discard any that remain closed.
Can I prepare the masala paste in advance?
Yes. The masala paste can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Why use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil helps carry the spices in the masala paste and adds depth to the finished dish without overwhelming the seafood.
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