Mary berry Curried Cockles
Mary berry Curried Cockles is a simple and delicious recipe that puts a spicy twist on classic seafood. Using fresh cockles and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or light main course. Mary Berry is a renowned British chef and television personality who has authored numerous cookbooks and hosted several cooking shows, including The Great British Bake Off. Her recipes are known for being straightforward and approachable while still delivering gourmet flavors.
Why people also love Mary berry Curried Cockles
People love Mary Berry’s Curried Cockles for several reasons. First, it’s a unique way to enjoy seafood that isn’t often seen on restaurant menus or in home kitchens. Second, the blend of spices adds depth and complexity to the dish while still allowing the fresh flavors of the cockles to shine through. Additionally, the recipe is fairly simple and quick to make, making it an accessible option for home cooks looking to try something new. Finally, Mary Berry’s reputation as a respected and beloved chef means that people trust her recipes and are eager to try anything she creates.
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh cockles, cleaned
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 400g can of chopped tomatoes
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- handful of fresh coriander leaves
Instructions:
- First of all,Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok. Then, add the onion and garlic and cook them gently until they become soft.
- Add the curry powder, cumin and cinnamon and stir well.
- Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cleaned cockles to the pan and stir gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking occasionally, until the cockles have opened up and are cooked through.
- Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 2-4 servings
Serving Suggestions:
Mary Berry’s Curried Cockles can be served as a starter or light main course. It goes well with crusty bread, rice, or salad.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- Make sure to clean and rinse the cockles thoroughly before cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh cockles, you can use frozen ones instead, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of curry powder or cinnamon in the recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 260kcal | Fat: 11g | Saturated fat:1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 945mg | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Protein: 20g | Vitamin A: 845% | Vitamin C: 38.6% | Calcium: 147% | Iron: 14%
Presentation:
For a nice presentation, serve the curried cockles in a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Accompany the dish with crusty bread and a side salad. You can also sprinkle some additional curry powder or cinnamon on top for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry Curried Cockles recipe:
- Vegetarian option: You can substitute the cockles with tofu or paneer to make a vegetarian version of this recipe.
- Seafood variation: Instead of using cockles, you can use other types of seafood such as shrimp, mussels, or clams.
- Coconut milk: For a creamier texture, you can substitute the chopped tomatoes with coconut milk.
- Spice level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of curry powder, cumin, and cinnamon used.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice can add a tangy flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable variation: Add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini or eggplant to the dish for a more colorful and nutritious option.
- Broth: Instead of chopped tomatoes, you can use vegetable or chicken broth as the base for the sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread or rice instead of regular crusty bread to make this dish gluten-free.
- Non-dairy option: For a non-dairy version of this recipe, you can use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream.
Recommendations and notices:
- Make sure to clean and rinse the cockles thoroughly before cooking to ensure that they are free of sand and grit.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the better results. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the spices and seasoning according to your personal taste. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of curry powder or cinnamon used in the recipe.
- Watch the cook time carefully to avoid overcooking the cockles. They only need a few minutes to cook and can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- For a creamier texture, substitute the chopped tomatoes with coconut milk.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own.
- Make sure to serve the dish immediately after cooking as it can spoil quickly if left out for too long.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.
- Always follow safe food handling practices, especially when working with seafood.
- Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish with family and friends!
FAQ for Mary berry Curried Cockles
Cockles are a type of small saltwater clam commonly found in coastal areas. They have a distinctive shell shape and flavor.
Yes, you can use frozen cockles for this recipe, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Before cooking, rinse the cockles thoroughly under cold running water to remove any sand or grit. Discard any open or damaged shells, as these may indicate that the cockle is dead.
Curried cockles go well with crusty bread, rice, or salad. You can also pair them with a light white wine or beer.
It’s best to serve the dish immediately after cooking, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately until ready to cook.
Cockles only need a few minutes to cook, usually 2-3 minutes on high heat. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
Yes, you can substitute cockles with other types of seafood such as shrimp, mussels, or clams.
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount of curry powder used.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Curried Cockles is an easy-to-make dish that combines fresh cockles with a fragrant blend of spices and tomatoes. This recipe adds a unique twist to traditional seafood dishes, making it perfect for anyone looking to try something new or exotic. With its accessible ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The finished dish is delicious and satisfying, with the delicate flavor of the cockles perfectly complemented by the spicy, aromatic sauce. This is an excellent appetizer or light main course that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more!
