Mussels in Tomato Broth

Today they had Mussels on sale at my local Publix so I decided on a Mussel bowl for dinner.
A couple of weeks ago we went to a restaurant and my husband had Mussels as his main course and of course I had to taste. They were so good I have wanted to try and make something similar ever since.
So today is the day it seems.

The broth the Mussels came with had a rich smoky taste and small pieces of bacon and chorizo in as far as I could taste. I have put together a mix of ingredients that I hope will make my broth as good as the other one.....

Ingredients;


1 red onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 chile, chopped
6 oz bacon cut in small pieces
4 oz chorizo cut in small pieces
Olive oil
1 big can of tomatoes
3 pounds mussels
Salt, pepper and smoked paprika

First wash the mussels and discard the ones that are broken or don't close when handled. Set aside.
Heat a big pot and add some olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and chile and fry on medium heat until shiny, add the bacon and continue frying while stirring until the bacon is cooked. Add the chorizo and continue stirring for another minute then add the tomatoes.  Bring to a boil then season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika.

Simmer for another five to ten of minutes on low heat until it smells yummy. Taste and season some more if necessary but remember the mussels will make the dish more salty so go easy on the salt, you can always add that later.

Add the mussels.

Boil until all the shells have opened. Discard the ones that don't.

Eat with bread for dipping to get the most out of the broth.

Bon Appétit!