Fried Mussels in Ouzo Batter

Name: Fried Mussels in Ouzo Batter
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 35 to 40 large mussels, cleaned under running water (about 3 pounds); 1 cup dry white wine (optional); Sea salt; Good pinch of Aleppo or Maras pepper or hot red pepper flakes, to taste; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Olive oil or olive and sunflower oil for frying; 11/ 2 cups all-purpose flour; 11/ 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup ouzo (see Note); 1/ 2 cup sparkling water, or more as needed; 2 lemons, quartered; Vali's Skordalia or Roasted Garlic Skordalia

By Aglaia Kremezi

October 15, 2009

Image may contain Plant Food and Vegetable

Fried Mussels in Ouzo BatterCookbook cover image courtesy of Random House

Notes:

Ouzo, Pernod, and raki are strong aniseflavored alcoholic drinks. If not available, substitute vodka or grappa, adding a pinch of ground star or green anise to the batter.

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