Steamed Mussels with Pittsburgh Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Peruvian flavors of Choritos al vapor are transformed to incorporate the unique taste of Pittsburgh. The original dish typically uses Peruvian ingredients such as aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) and lime juice. However, in this Pittsburgh-inspired version, we substitute those ingredients with local craft beer and tangy mustard, giving the dish a distinct flavor profile that reflects the city's culinary heritage. We alse have the original recipe for Choritos al vapor, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 4 slices of smoky bacon, diced 4 slices of smoky bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) local craft beer 1 cup (240ml) local craft beer
• 2 tablespoons tangy mustard 2 tablespoons tangy mustard
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Warm crusty bread (for serving) Warm crusty bread (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Pour in the craft beer and bring it to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tangy mustard and add the cleaned mussels to the pot.
5. 5.
   Cover the pot and steam the mussels for about 5-7 minutes, or until they open up.
6. 6.
   Discard any mussels that do not open.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the steamed mussels.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve the Steel City Steamed Mussels with warm crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Make sure to thoroughly clean and debeard the mussels before cooking to remove any sand or grit.
• Craft beer — Choose a local craft beer with a flavor profile that complements seafood, such as a light and crisp lager or a hoppy pale ale.
• Tangy mustard — Opt for a tangy mustard variety, such as Dijon or whole grain, to add a zesty kick to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the mussels are fresh, choose ones that are tightly closed or close when tapped lightly.
• Serve the mussels immediately after cooking to enjoy them at their best.
• Adjust the tanginess of the broth by adding more or less mustard according to your preference.
• Use the warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the broth.

Serving advice

Serve the Steel City Steamed Mussels as a main course, accompanied by warm crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Provide small bowls or plates for discarding the empty mussel shells.

Presentation advice

Present the Steel City Steamed Mussels in a large serving dish, allowing the mussels to be the star of the show. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with warm crusty bread on the side.