2710. CIOPPINO with MUSSELS and BACON

serves 4-6 

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 slices smokehouse bacon, diced 
1 yellow onion, chopped 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 can diced tomatoes 
1 carton vegetable broth 
1/2 pound fresh mussels, washed 
1 package frozen cod fillets, thawed and cut into bite-size chunks 
1 tablespoon Mediterranean seafood seasoning 
 2 tablespoons chopped basil 

Heat oil and bacon over medium-high heat in a large saucepan until bacon is cooked but not crispy. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and vegetable broth and simmer 20 minutes. Add mussels, fish and seasoning. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and mussels are opened. Be careful not to overcook. Ladle into bowls and garnish with basil.

bacon recipe courtesy of: Whole Foods Market.com