Ingredients:
- 500g pasta (spaghetti or linguine work best)
- 1kg fresh clams (manila or littleneck clams)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Clams
Before starting with the pasta, it’s important to clean and prepare the clams properly. Begin by rinsing the clams thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or debris. Discard any clams that are cracked or not tightly closed. Place the cleaned clams in a bowl of cold salted water and let them sit for about 20 minutes to release any remaining sand. Rinse them again before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Add the Clams
Pour the white wine into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onion. Bring it to a simmer, then add the cleaned clams. Cover the skillet and let the clams steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they open up. Discard any clams that remain closed.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Clams
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the clams, tossing everything together gently. Allow the pasta to soak up some of the flavorful juices from the clams for a minute or two, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Give it one final toss to incorporate the flavors. Serve the pasta with clams in shallow bowls, making sure to distribute the clams evenly. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
There you have it! A delicious and restaurant-worthy pasta with clams dish made in just a few simple steps. Enjoy this Italian classic with a glass of white wine and savor the flavors of the sea. Buon appetito!