Masala Mussels with Coconut and Curry Leaf
Steamed mussels in a coconut and curry sauce, with lots of liquor for dunking rice or bread.
Made with Curry base sauce (onion and tomato) and South Indian coconut curry base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £8.15 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Scrub the mussels under cold water and pull off the beards. Throw away any that are cracked or stay open when tapped sharply on the worktop.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large lidded pan over a medium heat. Fry the curry leaves, garlic and green chilli for 1 minute until fragrant.
1 min - 3
Add your ready made curry base sauce and south Indian coconut base (see the base recipes) with the coconut milk. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes.
3 min - 4
Tip in the mussels, cover tightly and cook over a high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until the shells open wide.
4 min 30 s - 5
Discard any mussels that have not opened. Squeeze in the lime juice, scatter over the coriander and serve in bowls with the sauce.
Tips
- Cook mussels live and the day you buy them. Only eat the ones that open during cooking.
- Use a wide pan with a tight lid so every shell gets steamed evenly.
Storing and freezing
Eat within 1 hour of cooking. Do not keep or reheat cooked mussels in the fridge or freezer, as shellfish spoils quickly.
Questions
Can I use frozen cooked mussels?
Yes. Add them to the simmering sauce for 2 to 3 minutes just to heat through. Frozen mussels in shells that are already cooked do not need steaming.
What should I serve with them?
Basmati rice, or gluten free bread for mopping up the sauce, which is the best part of the dish.
More made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Chana Madras (Chickpea Madras)
GFDFEFPrawn Biryani (Jhinga Biryani)
GFEFNFMasala Beans on Toast
DFEFNFMushroom Bhuna with Peppers
DFEFNFSee every dish made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
