Mussels with Wheat Beer and Bacon

Mussels with Wheat Beer and Bacon

This Mussels with Wheat Beer and Bacon recipe is an indulgent and flavorful dish where the sweetness of wheat beer combines perfectly with the richness of crispy bacon. The mussels soak up the beer-infused broth, creating a savory and aromatic seafood experience.

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Ingredients

(Serves 2-4)

• 2 pounds mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup wheat beer (preferably a lighter wheat beer)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté in the bacon fat for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Wheat Beer and Simmer

• Pour in the wheat beer, stirring to deglaze the pot and loosen any browned bits from the bottom.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the beer to reduce slightly.

4. Cook the Mussels

• Add the mussels to the pot and cover with a lid.
• Let the mussels cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally. They are done when the shells open up. Discard any mussels that do not open.

5. Finish the Sauce

• Once the mussels are cooked, reduce the heat to low.
• Add the heavy cream and butter, stirring to combine. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Season with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine with the mussels and sauce.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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Tips

• Bacon Variety: For an even richer flavor, you can use thick-cut bacon or pancetta.
• Beer Substitution: If you don't have wheat beer, you can use a pale ale or even a lager, though wheat beer offers a slightly sweeter and lighter flavor that complements the mussels well.
• Serving: Serve the mussels with crusty bread or fries to soak up the delicious beer and bacon sauce.

This Mussels with Wheat Beer and Bacon recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests with a flavorful and hearty seafood dish. 🍻🦪🥓