Cozze alla Birra Bianca
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
This Italian-inspired dish brings together the savory goodness of mussels with the refreshing flavors of white beer, lime, and a touch of butter. A simple, yet elegant recipe perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels (Cozze) | 2 kg |
| Celery (Sedano) | 2 stalks |
| White Onions (Cipolle bianche) | 1 medium |
| Lime (Lime) | 1 |
| White Beer (Birra) | 330 ml |
| Butter (Burro) | 50 g |
| Black Pepper (Pepe nero) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mussels:
Start by removing the beards (bisso) from each mussel. Then, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Set aside and let them drain. -
Prep the Vegetables:
Clean and thinly slice the celery into ½ cm pieces. Wash and dry the lime (or lemon), then use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest. Once the zest is off, cut the lime in half and squeeze out the juice. -
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced celery and sauté until it softens and becomes fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes. -
Add Lime and Beer:
Once the celery is softened, pour in the lime juice, followed by the white beer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. -
Seasoning:
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring it into the mixture for added flavor. -
Cook the Mussels:
Add the mussels to the pan, cover, and let them steam for 5-7 minutes, or until all the mussels have opened up. Discard any that remain closed. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mussels hot with the flavorful broth, garnishing with additional lime zest or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth!
This dish is a wonderful balance of fresh seafood, tangy lime, and the subtle bitterness of white beer, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying main course. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or, for extra refreshment, an additional glass of chilled white beer.
