Steamed Clam’s: this shell game’s a snap
Cooking With Clint
Recalling his days as an English teacher, and the workload that went along with the job, Stephen King wrote that by the end of the work week, his brain felt like it had been hooked up to jumper cables. No matter your personal vocation, I bet you can relate. So here’s a recipe that’s just atypical enough to give a little variety to a hum-drum meal, and its labor-light execution invites you to sit down, relax, and do as little work as possible.
Common clams are grouped by their size—from smallest to largest, you have littlenecks, middlenecks, top necks, and cherry stones. Today I’m using mahogany clams, also known as golden clams, for their size and robust flavor. Clams live in the mud, so make sure you rinse the shells and give them a brief dry-towel scrubbing. When buying mollusks, inspect the hinge and give them a tap to make sure they close—this is good (it means they’re alive).
And if you think clams are difficult to obtain, think again. If you can’t spot the bivalves at your favorite market, don’t be shy: ask the clerk if they have some in the back. Or just call around town to do some culinary investigating—just like this recipe, I guarantee success.
Steamed calms with garlic and basil
Serves 2
20 mahogany clams, rinsed and scrubbed
As needed, olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (thin, thin slice)
To taste, sea salt
In a large pot over medium heat, add small amount of olive oil and warm; add garlic and sweat until aromatic (don’t burn). Pour in white wine, increase heat to medium-high, and clams. Place lid on pot and wait until liquid simmers. Clam shells will begin popping open; give the pot a shake. After roughly seven minutes, decrease heat, allowing clams to cook through. Turn off heat, and with tongs, reserve clams. Add butter to broth, stir until melted, and add basil. Adjust seasonings and return clams to pot. Serve clams with crusty toasted baguette slices.
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1October 6th, 2011 at 5:39 am
[...] UIndy students performed work for schools, community centers and other not-for-profit groups [...]Steamed Clam’s: this shell game’s a snapCooking With Clint Recalling his days as an English teacher, and the workload that went along with [...]