Unbelievable Clams and Garlic

Unbelievable Clams and Garlic

This Unbelievable Clams and Garlic recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the ocean's freshness to your table. Tender clams are cooked in a buttery garlic broth with white wine and herbs, making it perfect for dipping crusty bread or serving over pasta.

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Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 2 pounds fresh clams (littlenecks or Manila), cleaned and scrubbed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or clam juice
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Crusty bread or cooked pasta (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Clams

• Scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit. Soak them in a bowl of cold water with a teaspoon of salt for 20 minutes to help purge any remaining sand. Rinse thoroughly and set aside.

2. Cook the Garlic and Butter

• Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

3. Build the Broth

• Stir in the white wine, chicken broth (or clam juice), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Add the Clams

• Increase the heat to medium-high and add the clams to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
• Cook the clams for 5-7 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.

5. Finish the Dish

• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve

• Transfer the clams and broth to a large serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
• Pair with crusty bread for dipping, or spoon over cooked pasta for a heartier meal.

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Tips

• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest clams available for the best flavor.
• Cleaning Clams: Properly cleaning clams ensures there’s no grit in your dish. A quick soak in salted water works wonders.
• Make It Creamy: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the broth after the clams are cooked for a richer, creamier version.
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.

This Unbelievable Clams and Garlic recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with bold, fresh flavors. It's a true seafood lover’s delight! 🦪🧄🍷