CLAMS WITH PANCETTA AND SCALLIONS

Clams with Pancetta and Scallions image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped pancetta or bacon
1/2 cup chopped scallions
4 to 5 dozen cherrystone clams, rinsed and picked over to remove those with broken shells or those that are opened
1 cup vermouth or dry white wine
1 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup rice, regular or instant, cooked according to package directions
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley leaves
Garlic Toast, recipe follows
1 baguette
Olive oil
1 large garlic clove, peeled and cut in 1/2

Steps:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook 3 minutes, until golden brown. Add scallions, clams and the vermouth (if using) and simmer 1 minute. Add 1 cup of the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, until shells open. Discard any shells that do not open.
With a slotted spoon, remove clams from pan and set aside. Simmer 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Serve 1/2 of the clams (24 to 36) over rice and cover with thickened sauce. Top with parsley and serve with the Garlic Toast. Reserve the remaining clams (about 2 dozen) for fettuccine, if desired.
Cut the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle some olive oil over them. Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and crispy. While still warm, rub the garlic clove on the toasts.