Soulful Buzara Mussels

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation of Dagnje na buzaru, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Southern cuisine. The addition of smoky bacon and hot sauce brings a distinct Southern twist to the dish, enhancing its richness and adding a touch of heat. These modifications create a unique fusion of flavors, combining the best of Croatian and Southern culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Dagnje na buzaru, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels 2 pounds (900g) fresh mussels
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the mussels under cold water, removing any beards or debris. Discard any mussels that are cracked or do not close when tapped.
2. 2.
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Add the hot sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Gently add the mussels to the pot and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels have opened up.
7. 7.
   Discard any mussels that have not opened.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the cooked bacon and chopped parsley over the mussels.
9. 9.
   Serve the Soulful Buzara Mussels hot, with crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mussels — Make sure to discard any mussels that are cracked or do not close when tapped. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or debris.
• Bacon — Use smoky bacon for an extra depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use regular bacon instead.
• Hot sauce — Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for spiciness. Add more for a bolder kick or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Serve the Soulful Buzara Mussels with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Don't forget to provide a bowl for discarded mussel shells.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding the broth.
• For a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
• Serve the mussels with a side of creamy grits or crusty cornbread to complete the soul food experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Buzara Mussels as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Provide small bowls for discarded mussel shells and plenty of napkins for messy fingers.

Presentation advice

Present the Soulful Buzara Mussels in a large, shallow serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the mussels and vegetables to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits for an appetizing touch.