Tag: clams

Linguini with Clams

Classic for a reason, this never fails to disappoint.

1/2 lb. linguini
1 garlic clove
2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. dried chili flakes
1/3 cup dry white wine or vermouth
1 large can whole or chopped clams, drained
1-2 tbs. chopped fresh parsley, to serve
grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Cook the linguini according to the package directions. Keep out a cup of water, then drain.

Meanwhile, in a skillet that will fit the pasta later, cook the garlic in the olive oil for a few minutes, then stir in the chili flakes, the wine or vermouth and the clams. Bubble to heat the clams, then tip in the cooked pasta. Add enough pasta water to make a sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese to serve.

Serves 2

Roasted Seafood

The oven does all the work for you here. Feel free to swap in other types of seafood – scallops, chunks of salmon and mussels would be lovely as well.

1 1/2 lbs. white-skinned potatoes (about 3 baking potatoes)
8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 small red onions
1 lemon
1/4 cup regular olive oil
12 small clams in their shell, soak in cold water and discard any that are opened
6-8 baby squid, tubes cut into rings
1 1/4 lb. raw large shrimp
3 tbs. dry white wine or vermouth
chopped fresh parsley, to serve

Heat the oven to 425°F. Cut the potatoes, without peeling, into thick slices and each slice into quarters. Tip into a large roasting tin with the garlic. Quarter the onions and the lemon and add to the pan, then toss everything with 2 tbs. oil. Roast for 1 hour.

Arrange the seafood on top of the veg and splash with 1 tbs. of the oil and the wine or vermouth. Season well and roast for 15 further. Discard any clams that have not opened. Drizzle with the remaining oil and serve sprinkled with parsley.

Serves 4

 

Sardinian Couscous with Clams

Fregola is a large, round Italian pasta that is similar to Israeli couscous and can be substituted in this wonderful recipe.

2 – 2 1/2 lb. clams
2 tbs. olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tbs. tomato paste
3 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup dry red vermouth
1 1/3 cups fregola
3 tbs. chopped parsley, plus more of sprinkling

Soak the clams in a large bowl of cold water to remove any sand. Discard any that do not close or are cracked.

Heat the oil in a heavy pot that has a lid. Cook the shallots until softened, a minute or two, then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste, stock and vermouth. Stir in the fregola, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the fregola is tender.

Drain the clams and tip into the pot. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes at a fast simmer until the clams open up. Discard any that don’t. Sprinkle in the parsley and ladle into warmed serving bowls. Top with a bit more parsley, to serve.

Serves 4

Thai Steamed Clams

The robust zing of Thai red curry paste and the delicate sweetness of coconut water combine to make a richly flavored, but light broth in which to steam the tender clams.

2 lbs. clams
2 tsp. Thai red curry paste
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tsp. lime juice
handful of Thai basil leaves or coriander

Tip the clams into a large bowl and cover with cold water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes, then drain and discard any that remain open.

Spoon the curry paste into a wok, then mix in the coconut water and lime juice. Turn on the heat and when the mixture comes to a bubble, tip in the clams and cover with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking from time to time, until the clams have opened. Discard any that remain closed.

Tip into a large bowl and scatter over the Thai basil leaves or coriander.

Serves 2-4