Best Clams Al Forno Recipes

CLAMS AL FORNO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500°F.
• Place the clams in a single layer in a baking dish.
• Scatter all the remaining ingredients except the scallions and lemon wedges over the clams.
• Roast the clams for 9 minutes; turn them and roast for about 9 to 10 minutes longer, until they pop open.
• Discard any that don't open.
• To serve, place 6 clams in each bowl and divide the broth among them. Serve piping hot, garnished with scallions and lemon wedges.

BAKED CLAMS ON THE HALF SHELL: VONGOLE GRATINATE AL FORNO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Scrub the clams under cold running water.
• Pry them open and rinse out any sand or grit.
• Gently separate the top and bottom shells, loosening and allowing the clam to divide, with some remaining on the top shell and some remaining on the bottom shell.
• Use a knife to loosen the clam in the shell, removing any sand or grit that may have been under the clam. All of the clams may not divide evenly between the top and bottom shell. Cut these clams into small pieces and distribute among the other shells. You should have at least 16 clamshell halves to fill and bake. Arrange the clam-filled shells on a baking sheet and set aside.
• In a small bowl, toss together the bread crumbs, parsley, and garlic. Use a fork to stir the olive oil into this mixture. It should be moist but not oily. Set aside.
• Fill each clam with a portion of the topping mixture, spreading it evenly over the clam to the edge of the shell. The filling should be about 1/8-inch thick.
• Bake until the topping begins to brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and adjust oven temperature to broil. Place the clams under the broiler and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

AL FORNO CLAM STEW

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sausages and boil for 8 minutes to remove excess fat. Drain, let cool for 10 minutes then cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• Lay the clams in a single layer in a flameproof roasting pan. Top with the sausage and the rest of the ingredients, except the scallions and lemon, and bring to a boil on top of the stove. Then put the pan in the oven. Roast the clams for 8 minutes. Mix the ingredients and roast for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until all the clams have opened.
• Place 12 clams in each of 4 large, heated bowls and pour the broth over them, evenly distributing the sausages, onions, endive and tomatoes. Garnish with julienned scallions and lemon wedges.

CAPELLINI AL FORNO

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch diameter nonstick spring form pan. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well and place in a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons butter, 1 cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss well until coated.
• Sprinkle 1/4 cup breadcrumbs in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread 1/3 of the seasoned pasta on top. Arrange half of the prosciutto in a single layer on top. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella on top. Add 1/3 of the pasta and push down lightly to form an even layer. Repeat the layers with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, the remaining pasta, prosciutto, and mozzarella. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and Parmesan together. Sprinkle over the layers and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until light golden on top, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
• Remove the sides of the pan and cut the pasta into wedges. Serve with warm marinara sauce.

BAKED CLAMS OREGANATO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Coarsely chop shucked clams, and put in a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs, bell pepper, parsley, oregano, and salt. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and toss with a fork to combine.
• Stuff the reserved clamshells with the filling, and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle each clam with a little of the reserved clam juice, pouring any extra juice, along with the white wine, into the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the clams with 3 tablespoons olive oil, and drizzle the remaining tablespoon oil in the bottom of the pan with the juice and wine.
• Bake until clams are lightly browned and crusty, about 15 to 20 minutes. To serve, set clams on plates with remaining sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for each.
• notes
• Another option-one I like very much-is not to chop the clams.
• Shuck the clams, and leave each whole clam in a half-shell. Toss all the other ingredients separately, then cover the clams with a light coating of the mixture. Pat lightly, and continue as per recipe.