ALMEJAS A LA MARINERA (SAILOR'S CLAMS)

Almejas a la Marinera (Sailor's Clams) image

Provided by Food Network

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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2 pounds small littleneck clams
Coarse salt, for soaking the clams
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 an onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Spanish paprika (pimenton)
1 tablespoon fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 glass Spanish white wine, such as Albarino
1/4 cup clam broth or natural clam juice
2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Crusty sourdough bread, for serving
1 lemon, cut into wedges, optional

Steps:

Scrub the clams under cold running water, discarding any that fail to close to the touch. In a large bowl, combine the clams, a handful of coarse salt and enough water to cover the clams. Let stand for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours so that the clams release any sand trapped in their shells. Drain and set aside the clams.
Then, in a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute, stirring often, until golden, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the paprika and breadcrumbs and saute a couple of minutes longer, until the ingredients are very fragrant and golden. Add the clams, white wine and clam broth. Cover and let steam for a few minutes, just until the clams open. Discard any clams that don't open.
Check the broth for seasoning. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve the clams with their broth and some crusty sourdough bread on the side. Lemon wedges are optional.