Pasta with shellfish

Delicious Pasta with Clams Recipe: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

If you are looking for a quick, delicious, and flavorful recipe, you have come to the right place! This pasta with clams recipe is perfect for impressing friends or family at a special dinner. I first discovered this recipe at a party, where the rich taste of the clams captivated me instantly. Now, I will share this recipe with you so that you can also enjoy this perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g bavette (or spaghetti)
- 1-2 kg fresh clams
- 1 medium onion
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 200 ml dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- ½ chili pepper

Practical Tips for Ingredients:

- Fresh Clams: Make sure the clams are fresh, without cracks or openings. These are signs that they are no longer good for consumption. Buy them from a trusted supplier and consume them as soon as possible.
- Type of Pasta: Bavette or spaghetti, both are suitable for this recipe. Bavette has a flatter texture, which helps absorb the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cleaning the Clams: Start by cleaning the clams of algae and sand. It is essential to wash them well under cold running water. This step ensures that you won’t have sand in the final dish.

2. Boiling the Clams: In a large pot, add 200 ml of water and the cleaned clams. Cover the pot with a lid and let them boil for 5 minutes, or until the clams open. It is a wonderful sight to see the clams open, releasing their aroma.

3. Straining the Liquid: Once opened, remove the clams with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl. The water in which the clams boiled should be strained through a cheesecloth at least twice to eliminate any traces of sand. This step is crucial!

4. Preparing the Sauce: In a frying pan, add the 3 teaspoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and sliced chili pepper until they become translucent. The smell will be absolutely delicious!

5. Adding the Wine: Pour the white wine into the pan and let it boil for a few minutes until it reduces by half. This step will add a deep flavor to your sauce.

6. Preparing the Clam Sauce: Strain the sauce to achieve a clear consistency, then add the liquid in which the clams boiled, the tomato paste, chili powder, and salt to taste. Let the mixture boil for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Cooking the Clams: Add the clams to the boiling sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to immerse in the delicious flavors.

8. Cooking the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package. It is important to cook them al dente, so they do not break apart in the sauce.

9. Assembling the Dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the clams and sauce. Mix well to ensure that each piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.

10. Serving: Serve the dish hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and perhaps a slice of lemon on the side. A crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce left on the plate.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

- Serving Suggestions: You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the dish.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. Additionally, adding some roasted cherry tomatoes or green olives can enhance the flavor.

Nutrition and Benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the clams, which are also an excellent source of omega-3. Plus, the pasta provides essential carbohydrates for energy, while the white wine adds antioxidants. It is a balanced meal, full of taste and healthy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

- How do I know if the clams are fresh?: Fresh clams should be closed. If they are open, give them a gentle tap; if they do not close, discard them.
- Can I use frozen clams?: It is recommended to use fresh clams for the best taste, but in an emergency, frozen clams can be used.

So, don’t hesitate to try this pasta with clams recipe. It is a meal that will not only satisfy your taste buds but will also add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Enjoy your meal!