Kallummakaya Nirachathu / Stuffed Mussels

Also known as Arikadukka in Malabar region. It is usually prepared by using parboiled rice (soaking and then grinding). Here I prepared using rice flour. This is served hot as a starter or as a snack for tea.

Ingredients:

15-20 fresh mussels with shells

2 cups rice flour ( I used pathiri podi)

1/2 cup grated coconut

2 green chillies

2-3 tsp fennel seeds

1 medium onion chopped

salt to taste

hot water, as required

For marination:

2 tbsp kashmiri chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

salt

Preparation:

1. Clean the shell of the mussels and split open through the slits with a knife without breaking the shells apart. Remove all the dirts and hairy substances ,wash it and drain the water inside and keep it aside.
2. Grind grated coconut, fennel seeds, green chillies and chopped onions to a coarse paste.
3. In a bowl, add rice flour and salt. Add ground coconut mixture to this and mix well.
4. Then add the required amount of boiling water ( about 2- 2 1/2 cups) and mix well using a wooden spoon.
5. When the dough is still warm, knead it well to a soft and smooth dough.
6. Stuff the cleaned mussels with the dough and steam it for 20-25 minutes.
7. Once it is cooled, remove the shell carefully and keep it aside. The flesh inside the mussels would stick to the steamed rice dough.
8. Make a paste of kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt adding little water.
9. Heat oil in a pan, dip the steamed mussels in the paste and fry it till golden. Serve as a snack for tea...

 Sending to Kerala Kitchen Event hosted by Julie @ Erivum Puliyum