STEAMED CLAMS WITH CHORIZO, CITRUS AND SAFFRON AIOLI

Steamed Clams with Chorizo, Citrus and Saffron Aioli image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large chorizo
2 pounds clams, cleaned
1/2 cup Albareino Spanish white wine
1/2 orange
Saffron Aioli, recipe follows
1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves chopped
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1/4 cup hot water
2 garlic cloves
*2 egg yolks (See Disclaimer)
1 cup blanched slivered almonds
Kosher salt
1/2 orange, juiced
3 cups extra-virgin olive oil
Water as needed, to thin

Steps:

Heat olive oil. Add the garlic cloves and let infuse the oil. Slice chorizo into 1/2-inch coins. Add chorizo into pan and render. Add clams. Pour wine over clams. Cover pan and let clams steam, about 5 minutes, or until all the clams have opened. Once cooked through, discard any clams that have not opened. Finish by squeezing half an orange over clams. Remove clams and chorizo using slotted spoon into large bowl. With the remaining broth, whisk in Saffron Aioli. Pour mixture over clams and chorizo. Sprinkle with parsley.
Steep saffron in hot water. In a blender, add garlic, egg yolks, almonds, salt, orange juice, saffron and blend. While blending, drizzle in the olive oil and emulsify. Thin with a little water, if desired.