Mussels & Beer…Yum!

I had mussels for an appetizer recently and they were delish. Mussels are easy to prepare and there are many various ways to season them.
Here is a great weekend appetizer idea for game day or an evening at home.
 
Drunken Mussels
By The Gourmet Farm Girl

 
2- 2 1/2 pounds Fresh Mussels (beards removed)

4-5 garlic cloves chopped
2-3 hot peppers or chilies
1 red onion chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped bell peppers (yellow, orange and green)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2-3 Tablespoons butter
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with chilies
2 teaspoons cumin
1-2 Tablespoons dried cilantro or 3-4 Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
2- 12 oz bottles of beer (Dos Equis, Modelo, Tecate or Corona’s)
1 lemon or lime

In a large stock pot over medium to medium high heat melt the butter and olive oil; add the onions, garlic cloves and peppers; sauté till tender, 4-5 minutes; add the canned tomatoes and cumin; continue to cook for 2-3 minutes; pour the beer into the pot and heat up for 2-3 minutes; add the mussels, give a quick stir and cover. Cook mussels for 8-10 minutes till all are open (discard any that did not open)

Add the cilantro; squeeze some lemon or lime juice over them, stir and serve immediately in a large bowl with some of the broth and toasted or crusty bread for dipping.

Serves 3-4