Shetland Mussels with Leek, Smokey Bacon & Cider

 

This delicious dish of Shetland Mussels with Leek, Smokey Bacon & Cider comes courtesy of The Brasserie at Crieff Hydro.

 

I arrived at the Brasserie this week to capture this delicious dish and was was greeted by warm and friendly staff. Even though it was early afternoon the restaurant was busy and the atmosphere was lively.  

 

The Brasserie places a big emphasis on sourcing Scottish ingredients and in my opinion Shetland produces some of the best mussels I have tasted. This is a great dish to try at home and mussels are a healthy meal being low in fat and high in nutrients like omega-3 and iron. They are also a great source of protein.

This recipe is packed full of flavour and the leeks and bacon give the mussels a great taste.

 

This is a superb family friendly restaurant too and it is definitely the place to come if you're looking for cheery atmosphere. The menu is packed full of fresh, quality Scottish ingredients and serves a good range of favourites from Scottish grills and steaks to beer battered haddock and french fries.  Vegetarian, nut and gluten free options are available on the menu. The Barsserie is open to non-residents and serves lunch and dinner daily. 

 

Gill X

Ingredients

• 1kg Cleaned Shetland mussels
  
• 500ml olive oil
  
• 2 leeks washed and sliced
  
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
  
• 2 small banana shallots finely diced
  
• 2 bay leaves
  
• 160g smoked bacon cut into small pieces
  
• 400ml Cider
  
• 160ml double cream
  
• 2 handfuls parsley and chives chopped
  
• Maldon sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  
• 4 petit pan
  
• 100g butter (unsalted)
  
• 1tsp parsley
  
• 2 garlic cloves chopped