Midye Dolma
Turkish Stuffed Mussels
A classic Turkish street food, Midye Dolma are mussels stuffed with a fragrant, spiced rice pilaf. They are typically served chilled with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Large mussels
- 1 cup Arborio or short-grain rice
- 2 medium Yellow onion
- 50 g Pine nuts
- 50 g Currants
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1.5 cup Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Lemons
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mussels: Scrub the mussels thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or barnacles. Pull off any 'beards' (fibrous threads). Gently pry open each mussel just enough to remove the small, hard 'tongue' inside, being careful not to detach the two halves. Keep the hinge intact. Discard any mussels that are already open and do not close when tapped firmly.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Make the rice filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat (approx. 180°C / 350°F). Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the rinsed rice, pine nuts, currants, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and toast the rice and nuts for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Cook the rice partially: Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is about halfway cooked (al dente). Remove from heat, stir in the fresh dill, and let it cool slightly.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Stuff the mussels: Carefully spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the rice mixture into each mussel cavity. Do not overfill, as the rice will expand slightly during cooking. Gently close the mussel halves together, ensuring the filling is enclosed. The natural moisture of the mussel should help them stay closed.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Steam the stuffed mussels: Arrange the stuffed mussels in a single layer in a large pot or steamer basket. Add about 1 inch of water to the bottom of the pot (ensure it doesn't touch the mussels). Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat (approx. 200°C / 400°F), then cover the pot tightly and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the mussels have opened further and the rice inside is fully cooked and tender. You should see steam escaping from the shells and the rice should be soft.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
Chill and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mussels cool slightly. Transfer the Midye Dolma to a serving platter. They are traditionally served cold. Garnish generously with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the mussels just before eating.
⏱️ 10 minutes (cooling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure mussels are fresh and alive before cooking. Discard any that are open and don't close when tapped.
- ✓Do not overstuff the mussels; the rice will expand as it cooks.
- ✓Keep the mussel shells closed as much as possible while stuffing and cooking to prevent the filling from escaping.
- ✓The key to authentic Midye Dolma is serving them chilled, allowing the flavors to meld.
- ✓Street vendors often serve these in paper cones, making them a perfect portable snack.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a small amount of tomato paste to the rice filling.
- Some variations include a small amount of finely chopped parsley or mint in the rice.
- While traditionally served cold, a warmed version can be prepared by gently reheating the steamed mussels.