Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle)
• 10–12 whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 16 ounces canned crushed tomatoes or 2 cups peeled, diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and stems
• 2 pounds fresh mussels
• 1 tablespoon Tempered Oil
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 10–12 curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds

Instructions

1. In a 4-quart pot over medium heat, add the oil. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, black peppercorns, asafoetida, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cilantro and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cups of water and cook for 8 minutes on a low heat. Add the mussels, cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mussels are opened. Remove from the heat. Transfer the mussels and broth to a serving bowl and finish with the tempered oil.
2. To make the Tempered Oil: In a small pan over medium heat, add oil. Add the curry leaves and mustard seeds; when the mustard seeds begin to pop, remove the oil from the flame, about 30 seconds. Drizzle the oil over the mussels and broth.
3. In a small pan over medium heat, add oil. Add the curry leaves and mustard seeds; when the mustard seeds begin to pop, remove the oil from the flame, about 30 seconds. Drizzle the oil over the mussels and broth.