When my household craved mussels for dinner, I thought, “Say less!” and promptly headed to market. Sure, I could’ve dashed to the store and grabbed a pack of pre-cooked mussels in sterile bags, but where’s the adventure in that? I wanted the scenic route, and after a crowd filled walk to borough market despite how early I try to get there, nabbing myself a bag of mussels, here we are. While I harbour no grudges against the classic garlic or wine-infused mussels, I figured a splash of colour wouldn’t hurt. Hence, the tomatoes for this recipe.
This is perfect for any seafood lover looking to add a splash of colour and flavour to their dinner table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure right from the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh mussels
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 200g cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 chili (optional), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley and crispy bacon, for garnish
Method:
- Preparation: Start by finely chopping garlic, shallots, chilli (if using) and bacon. Clean the mussels, removing beards and discarding any that won’t close when tapped.
- Cook the Bacon: In a pan, fry bacon until crispy. Set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté: Use the bacon fat to sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add chili and cook gently.
- Create the Sauce: Add cherry tomatoes to the pan, cooking until they soften and release their juices.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice for a citrusy dimension.
- Cook the Mussels: Add mussels to the pan, cover, and cook until they open (about 5 minutes). Discard any that don’t open.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and bacon. Serve with crusty bread, fries, or flatbread for a complete meal. I served up with a saffron infused homemade flatbread.
Pro Tip: Use your mussel shells to scoop up the flavourful sauce for an authentic seafood dining experience.
Tried this recipe? Share your culinary adventures and creations with us.
Happy cooking! 🌟
Xoxo CC
Carnal Culinary 