Bacon and Beer Mussels

Ingredients

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) fresh PEI Mussels
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) smoked bacon, finely chopped
• 2 small shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) beer
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped basil to garnish

Method

1. 1

   Rinse fresh PEI Mussels under running fresh water. Tap any mussels that are still open and discard any that do not close after being tapped and rinsed. Set aside.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan with a fitted lid. Add bacon and sauté until bacon is crispy. Add shallots and garlic. Cook for a few minutes more, until shallots are translucent. Add beer, stir well, then add the mussels.

3. 3

   Cover, turn on high heat and cook until steam comes out from under the lid about 5-7 minutes, until mussels open.

4. 4

   Season with salt and pepper. Top with chopped basil and serve.