User:JenSmith1234/Stuffed mussels

Stuffed mussels (Turkish: Midye dolma) or Midye is a generic name for plump orange mussels that contain herbed and spiced rice. Midye dolma is a popular and common street food snack in the coastal cities of Turkey.

Preparation
Mytilus galloprovincialis is the most commonly used mussel for midye dolma. First the cockleshells are cleaned by removing any irregularities from the outside of the shell. The mussels are then placed in hot water, this allows the shells to separate. A mixture of rice, oil, salt and different spices is added to the shells along with the meat in the mussels. The spices used vary by region. Common spices used include red pepper, currants and black pepper. The shells are closed before cooking. Midye dolma typically cooks for 15 to 30 minutes on boiling heat. Once the mussels are done cooking, vendors typically let them cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations
Midye dolma is traditionally eaten with just lemon juice squeezed over them right before consumption. The lemon juice is used for flavor and to prevent the rice from becoming dry. Some places add different spices and sauces. One variation adds dried tamarind to the outside of the mussel shell. A different variation colors the mussels with squid ink to add additional flavor. Other establishments add rice made with sauteed white onions along with the meat in the mussels.

Vendors
Street vendors with small carts are common midye dolma sellers in Turkey. Midye dolma street vendors are not common all over Turkey. Most street vendors are found in Turkey’s coastal cities including Istanbul, İzmir and Bodrum. There are two specific locations in Istanbul which are known for their street food. Istikal Caddesi, an avenue in the European side of Istanbul and Eminönü a district near the Galata Bride. Midye Dolma carts are frequently found in those two locations along with vendors of other Turkish street food. Unlike Istanbul, there is no one place that is known for street food in Izmir. Street food is popular throughout the city and midye dolma vendors are specifically found near the water. Vendors in both cities usually have just one or two employees and only serve midye dolma. Vendors typically serve midye dolma late into the night. Street vendors typically sell midye dolma at a promotional price. In 2022, a commonly used price point is 10 dolmas for 10 liras.

Restaurants.
Aside from vendors, stuffed mussels are also found in restaurants. Both casual and high end restaurants serve midye dolmas. It is common for midye dolmas to be served in small establishments alongside kokoreç, another common Turkish street food. These establishments usually have limited seating options and do not have table cloths or silverware. The process is similar to ordering at a vendor. One typically goes to the cashier themselves and also brings their food back themselves. Midye dolmas are typically served as a meze, a Turkish appetizer, in high end restaurants. These restaurants are typically seafood restaurants and midye dolmas are followed by a fish course.