SIMPLE STEAMED CLAMS OR MUSSELS

Simple Steamed Clams or Mussels image

This straightforward method of cooking mussels or clams produces an excellent dinner in 30 minutes. You can build in extra flavors by varying the aromatic vegetables, the liquid and the last-minute stir-ins. All you need is some bread or simply cooked rice, grain or potatoes to sop up the broth.

Provided by Emily Weinstein

Categories dinner, lunch, quick, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot or small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup white wine, beer (ale is nice) or water
4 to 6 pounds clams or mussels, well washed
Fresh parsley leaves or sprigs for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Steps:

Put the oil in a saucepan large enough to hold all the clams or mussels over medium heat. When hot, add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, 5 minutes.
Add the liquid along with the clams or mussels, turn the heat up to high, and cover the pot. Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, until they all (or nearly all) open, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Scoop the mussels into a serving bowl. Remove as many shallots as you can with a slotted spoon and scatter them on top. Pour or ladle off the accumulated liquid, leaving any sediment in the bottom of the pan, and pour it over the mussels. Garnish with parsley and serve with the lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 554, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 22 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 83 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 3410 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams