LINGUINI WITH RED CLAM SAUCE (LINGUINI CON LE VONGOLE AL SUGO)

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Linguini With Red Clam Sauce (Linguini Con Le Vongole Al Sugo) image

This recipe is adapted from a Neopolitan version of "Linguini and Clams in Red Sauce". I prefer the clams to be served in their shells over the pasta, never removed or chopped

Provided by Kozmic Blues

Categories     European

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs littleneck clams, scrubbed well
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large shallot, minced
2 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped (preferably San Marzano)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 -1 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1 lb linguine
freshly chopped basil, for garnish

Steps:

  • A Neopolitan custom is to let the clams soak in very cold water with a tsp of salt and the juice of one lemon for about 1/2 hour.
  • This will remove any sand or grit in the clams.
  • This step is optional, but I do suggest that you at least scrub the outer shells of the littlenecks quite well with a vegetable brush.
  • Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil for the linguini.
  • In another pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
  • Add shallots and crushed red pepper and sauté until shallots are softened.
  • Add chopped garlic and anchovies, and saute until anchovies begin to melt into the olive oil, careful not to let garlic get too dark.
  • Carefully add chopped tomatoes with their liquid.
  • Stir to combine, and add dried basil and oregano.
  • Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce until ready to cook clams and linguini.
  • Add little neck clams to the simmering tomato sauce, stir to coat well, and cover.
  • While clams begin to steam in sauce, generously salt the boiling pasta water, add linguini, and cook until al dente, (about 7 minutes).
  • As clams begin to open, I remove them to a large bowl and cover, until pasta and remaining clams are cooked.
  • Drain pasta, and transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Top with tomato sauce and toss with chopped fresh basil.
  • Finally, add cooked clams over top the pasta, still in their shells.

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