Here's another knock-out recipe for you from our friends KneadGod
This tantalizing dish brings together the briny flavors of fresh Maine mussels, the smoky richness of bacon, and the sweetness of caramelized onions. Thanks for the great recipe, KneadGod!
Note from the chef: This summer-ready recipe is a delightful blend of briny mussels, smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and aromatic spices. Pair it with crusty bread and your favorite cold beer for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Fresh Maine Mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beer (preferably light or amber ale)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beer and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze and incorporate the flavors. Highlight the freshness of the mussels sourced from Get Maine Lobster. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add the cleaned mussels to the pot, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mussels open. Discard any unopened mussels.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the butter. Stir until the butter melts and combines with the broth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Season the broth with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the mussels may already be naturally salty.
- Garnish the mussels with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the beer-braised mussels in shallow bowls, ladling the flavorful broth over them. Provide crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
Chef Tips
- Ensure that the mussels are fresh and discard any with cracked shells or that do not close when tapped.
- Serve the mussels immediately after cooking to enjoy them at their best.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of beer to vary the flavors of the broth.