There is something festive and celebratory about a pot of clams. To me, it is always a treat, evoking summer memories of blissful coastal feasts, languid lunches, and good times. It must be the fact that we need to eat them with our fingers, and mopping up the juices with bread is actually encouraged.
Based on the classic Spanish dish almejas a la marinera—sailor-style clams—this is my favorite way to prepare the shellfish: steamed in a garlicky, saffron-infused white wine broth. The typical recipe uses flour to thicken the broth, but I prefer simply reducing it, to give the clams and resulting sauce a stronger flavor.
You can make the broth ahead of time, then quickly cook the clams right before serving; it’s an excellent entertaining dish.
- 4 pounds littleneck clams
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced Spanish onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
In a large stockpot over medium heat, add the olive oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the wine and reduce until almost all evaporated. Season with red pepper flakes and saffron threads, crumbled with your fingers. Add the seafood broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil.
Garlic Toasted Baguettes
A simple yet sensational way to add flavor and crunch, garlic bread is the finishing touch on lots of dishes—and often is the main reason I order them. I can’t imagine tomato soup, chicken parmigiana, or shrimp scampi without a slice (or two) of garlic bread on the side. Can you?- 1 baguette
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Slice the baguette into five-inch pieces and then slice them in half lengthwise. Place the baguette pieces on a cookie sheet. Toast in the oven for about 4 minutes, until the bread just begins to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
When cool enough to handle, rub the cut side of bread all over with the cut sides of the garlic cloves. Reserve the last bits of garlic and mix them in a shallow bowl with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Dip the cut sides of the bread into the oil, just to coat, and return to the cookie sheet. Return to the oven and toast until golden brown. Serve immediately.