| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 179 | 5g | 1g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 0g | 22g | 0.72g |
As a native New Yorker, I simply relish the vast culinary offerings of the city. Just like the Big Apple, my menus are a delightful mélange of cuisines that strike a delicious balance of freshness and flavor. Our hero for the day, Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Pepper, is a dish that effortlessly stands out, unites high-quality healthiness with an enormous burst of flavor.
Imagine: succulent clams infused with the rich aroma of garlic and fiery white pepper, enthralled in a citric lemony zing, all harmonized with an exquisite splash of dry white wine. The taste? Pure ecstasy! This beautiful composition is a testament to how seemingly simple ingredients can create a sensation of epic proportions on your taste buds.
Wholesomely Nourishing
Beyond the delightful flavor, Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Pepper bring excellent health benefits to your dinner table. Rich in iron, protein and low in fat, clams are heart-friendly and enhance immune functions. A potent antioxidant, white pepper rids the body of harmful radicals, while garlic is well-known for its beneficial impact on heart health and blood sugar levels. Not forgetting olive oil, lauded for its good cholesterol and anti-inflammatory properties, and parsley that boasts a rich vitamin profile. Completing the health boost is lemon, loaded with Vitamin C and digestive benefits. (source)
A True Culinary Companion
Having spent decades experimenting and exploring in the kitchen, I’ve found that this dish bears a striking resemblance to Clams alla Griglia, the grilled Italian version with a propensity for a smoky charm. Similar at heart yet distinct in form, they are both a bounty of the sea on your plate. Pairing ideas? The clams pair wonderfully with a crusty baguette or a simple quinoa salad. Whether as an appetizer or a hearty entrée, it cuts effortlessly across courses, cultures, and cuisines, much like the city I call home.
Every time I make Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Pepper, it serves as a reminder that the beauty of cooking lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. The true essence of good food is not just a joy for the palate but also nourishment for the soul, and this dish embodies that sentiment beautifully.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds fresh clams
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
To initiate with, rinse the 3 pounds of fresh clams thoroughly under cold running water to remove any sand and grit. Discard any clams that are not closed.
Step Two
On a medium-high heat up a large pot, pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. After the oil gets hot, add the finely chopped 10 cloves of garlic and the 1 tablespoon of white pepper. Sauté them until the garlic is fragrant and golden but be careful not to burn it.
Step Three
Next, pour the 1 cup of dry white wine over the garlic and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil for about two minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and the flavors to combine.
Step Four
After achieving that, add the clams to the garlic and wine broth. Cover the pot. Continuously stirring and shaking the pot, steam the clams until they have all opened up. This process should take 7-10 minutes. Remember to discard any that do not open.
Step Five
Finally, sprinkle over the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley and give everything a good stir. Serve your steamed clams straight from the pot, with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Voilà, your Steamed Clams with Garlic and White Pepper is ready to devour!
