·Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray's Agrodolce Clams with Red Sauce
"Linguine con vongole, or 'with clams,' is one of John's faves. I make it often in the summer, but to warm it up for winter I add another layer of flavor and serve this version." —Rach
Ingredients
- 3 dozens littleneck clams or 3 lb. cockles
- 3 tbsp. EVOO
- 3 small shallots or 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 6 fat cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or chopped
- 4 tbsp. sun-dried tomato paste or regular tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp. Calabrian chile paste or 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp. ground fennel or fennel pollen or fennel seed
- ½ cup sweet (red) vermouth
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced or crushed Italian tomatoes
- ½ cup drained sweet Peppadew or sweet pickled cherry peppers, chopped, or sweet red pepper relish
- Salt and pepper
- A fat handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- Ciabatta or other crusty bread, for serving
Directions
- Step 1 In a large bowl of ice water, scrub the clams well with a brush to get rid of any dirt and debris.
- Step 2 In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the EVOO, three turns of the pan, over medium-high. Add the shallots and stir until they begin to soften, a minute or two. Add the garlic, tomato paste, oregano, chile paste, and ground fennel. Stir until the tomato paste darkens in color, about a minute more. Add the vermouth and cook until the liquid starts to reduce, 30 seconds or so. Stir in the tomatoes and peppers, then let the mixture come to a bubble. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
- Step 3 Add the clams and cover the pan. Cook until the clams open, 7 to 8 minutes (discard any that don’t open). Stir in the basil.
- Step 4 Divide the clams and sauce among shallow bowls. Serve with the bread.