ROASTED CLAMS CASINO

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Roasted Clams Casino image

I have memories of my first job making dozens of these roasted clams for service every night. The smell of them cooking is so nostalgic for me. I always like to bring that sense of nostalgia to my table while creating new memories.

Provided by Scott Conant

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

36 littleneck or Manila clams
2 ounces bacon, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
2 shallots, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, minced
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup reserved clam cooking juice
1 teaspoon minced parsley
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup panko
1 garlic clove, smashed
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons minced parsley
2 lemons, cut into wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • For the clams: Add the clams to a large pot or large saute pan with a lid. Add 1/2 cup water and cover the pan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and steam until the clams open, 6 to 10 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. Reserve 1/4 cup clam juice.
  • When they are cool enough to handle, remove the empty top shells of each clam and use your fingers to gently pull the clams from the bottom shell; reserve the bottom shells. Finely chop the clams and reserve.
  • Cook the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until well crisp and rendered, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan (if the pan seems dry, add a touch of oil). Add the shallots, peppers, a pinch of salt and the crushed red pepper flakes and cook until soft and starting to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme to the pan and cook until the raw-garlic flavor is gone and the shallots are sweet, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Add the oregano leaves to bloom, then deglaze with the wine and 1/4 cup reserved clam juice and cook until the mixture is reduced by about 80 percent, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon and parsley to combine. Place the bacon mixture in a bowl over an ice bath, stir in the butter and clams and cool slightly until just warm. Taste the mixture and season with salt.
  • For the breadcrumbs: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Put the panko, crushed garlic clove and a pinch of salt in dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring and tossing constantly till lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the panko mixture to a bowl and stir in the extra-virgin olive oil, pepper flakes and parsley with a fork. Discard the crushed garlic clove.
  • Stuff each clam shell generously with about 1 tablespoon of the clam mixture and sprinkle with enough breadcrumbs to coat, pressing lightly so the breadcrumbs stick. Place the stuffed clams on a metal tray or cast-iron pan. Bake until hot and golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

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