It was another day for Fish Man to visit and I bought a kilo of mussels. Such a bargain food, so easy to prepare, and such a wonderful taste.
I have been inspired by some of the recipes posted by Olives and Artichokes here and here and often make a tomato based soup version, as you can see here.
Today, I decided to use up some of my bacon from the UK, although I could have used lardons or jamon instead.
After cleaning my mussels, I lightly fried in olive oil two cloves of crushed garlic, one onion fairly finely chopped and 4 rashers of chopped bacon.
When these had all softened I added a glass of white wine and simmered for about 5 minutes before adding the mussels and a couple of tablespoons of chopped parsley and putting the lid on.
A few minutes later the mussels had all opened, so I took the pot off the heat, stirred in 100ml of single or pouring cream and that was it.
I served it in big bowls with spoons and crusty bread to soak up all the garlicky, creamy juices. ¡Muy rico!
Chica Andaluza 
Muy rico, indeed, y delicioso también! Mussels are such a treat yet so easy to prepare and the cream adds an extra deliciousness, reminding me of dishes I’ve eaten in Normandy. Thanks for the links too!
¡Anda, hables español! Yes, it´s quite a northern French style dish…should have used cider!
Great mussel recipe – I live on the Atlantic coast of France so mussel, oysters and shellfish are a big part of my diet. Very cool site.
Thyat part of France is on our lsit to visit – we onlyt whizz past in the car on our way to the UK. Thanks for stopping by – loved your photos too!
I adore mussels and rarely make them at home since I really don’t have access to quality mussels. I like the simplicity of your recipe showcasing the great tasting mussels. I’ve never had the addition of cream, it makes it sound so decadent!!
I´ve only really started using lots of shellfish (and fish generally) since I´ve now got it so readily available. Best to wait until you visit the coast to enjoy the good stuff!
Fabulous recipe! I love the idea of bacon – don’t think I have added it to mussels before. Me thinks me must do that next time.
🙂 Mandy
I suppose it´s a strange combination – a different kind of surf n turf!
I always have a twinge of jealousy when I read about fish man! These look fabulous. I love the bacon. Fresh mussels are one of my favorites.
I´ll have a word with him and see how far he´s prepared to drive 😉 We love mussels and here they are generally pretty cheap.
I love mussels and your recipe looks delicious. I wish I had a Fish Man! I recently tried mussels with basil oil and they were amazing!
The basil oil with mussles sounds good. I have some I made last summer, will have to give this a go. I will have to set up fan club soon for my little Fish Man!
I love your recipe!! It reminds me of the recipe of Clam Chowder, but your version is way much better since it uses fresh mussles and better quality ingredients!!!
I guess it dos have a touch of that – mind you I adore a good chowder too!
This looks wonderful.
Thank you!
I like this a LOT!
You´re a bacon fan aren´t you?!
You are SO right – fast, easy, and wonderful! You can’t go wrong with quality, fresh mussles, and there are endless ways to prepare them. Looks delicioius!
In most of the bars here they just steam them open, chill them and serve them with lemon and pepper. To be honest, they´re great that way too, the fresh taste of the mussels shines through – delicious!
Oh My, My Mouth is watering! I know what we are having soon….RaeDi
Now I fancy mussels too!
We’re off to the North Coast of Kwazulunatal soon for a weekend – guess what I am going to cook on our fire when we’re camping! If I can get hold of some mussels, that is. Great recipe, thanks, Chica 🙂
Ooh – they would have a little extra smoky taste which would be fantastic. The places you go on trips always sound so exciting…am off to look up Kwazulunatal now!