How to make Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe

On a serene evening, while meandering along the coast of the Mediterranean, I discovered a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the sea: Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams. With just a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients, including succulent littleneck clams, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is a celebration of natural flavors and the culinary simplicity found by the sea. The clams, steamed to perfection, release their oceanic sweetness, enhanced by the herbaceous freshness of parsley and the rich, fruity notes of olive oil, creating a dish that is both elegant and deeply comforting.

Inspired by this serendipitous discovery, I set out to recreate this culinary treasure at home, experimenting with the delicate balance of flavors and textures. After several iterations, I successfully captured the essence of my coastal experience in this recipe. It’s with great pleasure that I share my Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe with you, inviting you to evoke the spirit of Mediterranean shores and indulge in the simple luxury of beautifully steamed clams enriched with the bold and nurturing flavors of the region. Let this dish be a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the abundant generosity of the sea.

Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe

Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe

The Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe is a culinary delight that transports the essence of the Mediterranean Sea to your dining table. This recipe features littleneck clams at its core, prized for their sweet and tender meat. They are steamed to perfection with a simple yet aromatic blend of ingredients, including fresh parsley and rich olive oil, which together elevate the clams' natural oceanic flavor. The clams release their briny juices as they cook, melding with the olive oil and parsley to create a light, yet deeply flavorful broth. This dish is not only an homage to the simplicity and elegance of Mediterranean cooking but also a tribute to the region's gift of fresh seafood. After being inspired by a picturesque Mediterranean coast, the author meticulously experimented with and perfected this recipe. Now shared, it invites food enthusiasts to embark on a gastronomic journey, bringing a taste of Mediterranean serenity and simplicity into their own kitchens.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 people

Calories 856 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Dutch oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 green onion
• 1/3 cup parsley
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 3 pounds littleneck clams
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 yellow onion
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 green pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 red pepper

Instructions

 

• Clams should be cleaned.
• Put down the clams in the first container of cool simmering water for about 20 minutes.
• To make the red wine soup, add all of the ingredients to a big mixing bowl.
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, heated in a big Dutch oven over moderate flame.
• Combine the onions, tomatoes, and garlic in a large mixing bowl.
• Cook for five minutes after seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper.
• Add the onions, smoked paprika, parmesan, and garlic powder, and stir to combine.
• Combine the white wine and liquid in a mixing bowl.
• Process for a few minutes, just until the tomato is slightly softened.
• In a red wine sauce, heat the clams.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the clams.
• Cook, covered until the remainder of the clams has opened.
• Switch off the heat. Combine the spring onions and parsley in a mixing bowl.

Keyword littleneck clams, olive oil, red pepper flakes

Cooking Tips about Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe

• Selecting Clams: Choose fresh littleneck clams for their ideal size and sweet flavor. Make sure they are tightly closed or close when gently tapped – a sign they’re alive and fresh. Rinse them under cold water to remove any sand or grit.
• Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means each ingredient shines through, so opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh parsley. These elements contribute significantly to the final taste of the dish.
• The Right Heat: Begin cooking the clams over medium-high heat. Once you add the clams to the pan, cover them to ensure they steam properly. This helps them to open up and release their natural juices, which blend with your other ingredients for a rich broth.
• Broth Base: Before adding the clams, create a flavorful broth base with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of dry white wine or broth. The alcohol in the wine not only adds depth to the flavor but also helps to steam the clams open, while the acidity balances the richness.
• Herb Infusion: Add freshly chopped parsley at the end of cooking to ensure its vibrant color and flavor remain potent. Herbs added too early can lose their impact under prolonged heat.
• Don’t Overcook: As soon as the clams open, they are cooked. Overcooked clams can become tough and chewy, so remove the pan from the heat once most clams have opened. Discard any that remain closed after cooking, as this indicates they were not alive and fresh.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the steamed clams immediately, using the broth as both a sauce for the clams and a dipping delight for crusty bread. The bread acts as a sponge, soaking up all the flavorful juices.

Serving suggestions about Mediterranean-Style Steamed Clams Recipe

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Essential for soaking up the exquisite broth that the clams are steamed in, which is imbued with the flavors of olive oil, parsley, and natural clam juices. Opt for a loaf of crusty artisan bread, warmed slightly before serving.
• Light White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the delicate sweetness of the clams and the fruity richness of the olive oil. The wine’s acidity will balance the dish’s flavors beautifully.
• Simple Green Salad: Pair the steamed clams with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the lemon dressing will cut through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving fresh lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add an extra splash of citrus to their dish, enhancing the freshness of the clams and tying all the flavors together.
• Garlic-Parsley Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the clams over a bed of pasta tossed with garlic, parsley, and a touch of the olive oil used in steaming the clams. This combination ensures that the essence of the dish permeates every element of the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchinis, eggplants, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs, can add color and texture to your table.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus, with its slightly charred edges and tender bite, offers a smoky note that contrasts nicely with the briny sweetness of the clams, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
• Saffron Rice: Serve the clams alongside a fragrant saffron rice. The subtle flavors of the saffron will complement the natural sweetness of the clams without overpowering them, providing a comforting and aromatic base.

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