Summer is almost here. In fact, in Cornwall, I think summer is already here as the sky is blue and the sun has been coming out to play.
I absolutely love summer. Summer time is my favorite time of year as the warmth of the sun embraces my body as I say goodbye to pasty skin, frumpy winter clothing, and greet a big hello to sandals and sun dresses! Summer also means party time: barbeque by the pool, picnics by the sea, road trips up and down the Brighton coast, and eating (and drinking) with friends. Summer is pure bliss and happiness!
This year, I plan to share a series of fun, delicious, yet simple summer recipes with you. I have a brand new grill sitting in my patio so I can foresee a lot of casual al fresco dining this summer. To kick start the series (I know it’s not officially summer yet, but I just can’t wait), I made this utterly delightful beer steamed mussels that transports me back to south of France.
This dish is very similar to Moules Marinière, which is made with white wine but I find beer to be a great (and much convenient) substitute. The slight bitterness of the beer is offset by the briny sweet taste of fresh mussels and the end result is a mussel pot that you can serve throughout summer.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 onion, finely diced
2 1/2 lbs – 3 lbs mussels, bearded and scrubbed
12 fluid oz beer
A bunch Italian (flat-leaf) parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
Salt, to taste
Lemon or lime wedges
Method:
Rinse the bearded and scrubbed mussels thoroughly. Drain the water dry.
Heat up a deep skillet or a pot with the melted butter/olive oil on medium heat. Saute the garlic and onion until you start smelling the aroma, but not browned. Add the mussels into the skillet/pot and stir to combine with the garlic and onion. Pour in the beer and cover the skillet and pot, for a few minutes, or until the mussels are open and cooked. Stir in the chopped parsley and add salt to taste. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon or lime, if you like.
Omi’s Note:
The beer broth with the briny and sweet flavor of mussels is absolutely delicious. “Drink” the juice or sop up with garlic bread.
Enjoy.
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