Description
Mediterranean-style Steamed Clams invite seafood enthusiasts on a culinary journey through coastal flavors. Succulent clams simmered in white wine, garlic, and herbs create an authentic Mediterranean dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds littleneck clams
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups water
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse clams under cold water, removing any debris or sand. Submerge in heavily salted water, gently scrubbing shells to eliminate grit. Repeat cleansing process three times to ensure pristine shellfish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and bell peppers until softened and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, incorporating Mediterranean spices like oregano and red pepper flakes. Deglaze with crisp white wine, allowing alcohol to evaporate. Introduce a splash of water and simmer the broth for 8-10 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Carefully nestle cleaned clams into the simmering broth, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and steam at medium-high heat until shells dramatically pop open, approximately 6-8 minutes. Discard any clams that remain sealed after cooking.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and basil over the steamed clams. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, accompanied by rustic, toasted bread for soaking up the fragrant broth.
Notes
- Ensure fresh clams are tightly closed before cooking, discarding any with cracked shells or that remain open after tapping.
- Use a white wine with crisp acidity to enhance the seafood’s natural flavors and create a more complex broth.
- For a gluten-free version, replace crusty bread with zucchini noodles or serve over cauliflower rice to maintain the Mediterranean style.
- Substitute clams with mussels or mixed shellfish if desired, adjusting cooking time slightly based on the seafood’s size and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg