Garlic Clams and Mussels on the Grill

Everyone has a favorite meal. It's the meal that is enjoyed so much that it is requested for birthday dinners or any special occasion. Just thinking about "The Meal" makes your stomach growl.

The Husband loves a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage. Once a year on St. Patrick's Day is never enough for him. My Oldest always orders fettuccine alfredo when we are dining out at an Italian restaurant. My Middle One dreams about chicken pot pie. No Thank You Boy devours a juicy steak and baked potato. For me, the best meal includes clams. Littlenecks are my first choice. I have posted about them here and here. I enjoy clams just about anyway they are prepared, so it was time to try something new tonight.

Garlic Clams and Mussels on the Grill was what was on tap for dinner. 2 dozen littlenecks were joined by 2 dozen mussels for a smokey barbecue. The grill does all the cooking and all I did was drizzle some garlic butter and sprinkle chopped tomatoes and basil over the shellfish when they were done cooking.

No Thank You Boy's friend was dining with us and favored the mussels. A look of disbelief came over his face when he found out the shellfish was alive when it was put on the grill to cook. It did not deter him from eating them though. No Thank You Boy favors lobsters and opted out of eating the clams and mussels. Instead he ate the rest of the dinner including angel hair pasta with fresh marinara, grilled vegetables, charred kielbasa, and Pillsbury biscuits. The Husband was running out the door to a meeting so he pretty much dined and dashed. He had two plates of shellfish and kielbasa leading me to believe that all was right with the meal. I especially liked the smokiness that the grill added to the clams and mussels. And the cleanup only involves rinsing out the disposable aluminum pan and tossing it in the recycling can.

If you could have your favorite meal tonight, what would it be?



Garlic Clams and Mussels on the Grill

4 tablespoons butter
3 large garlic gloves, chopped
2 dozen clams, scrubbed clean, I like using littlenecks
2 dozen mussels, scrubbed clean
1/2 cup fresh tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Heat a grill to high heat.

Place the butter and garlic in a small saucepan over low heat. Melt the butter and infuse it with garlic. Turn the heat off and leave the saucepan on the burner.

When the grill is ready, place a disposable aluminum pan (9 x 13 inch) directly on the grill grate. Add the clams and cover the grill with the lid. Cook for about 15 minutes; the clams will just beginning to open. Add the mussels to the pan along with the clams and replace the lid. Grill for another 5 - 10 minutes or until all of the clams and mussels have opened. Drizzle the garlic infused butter over the shellfish and sprinkle with the tomatoes and basil. Serve immediately.


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