Cooking Challenge – Linguine With Clams
The Tidings Cooking Challenge is an opportunity for food lovers to try their hand at creating something together. Not all in the same kitchen, of course. Rather, try the recipe in your own time and then come back and tell us what you thought of it. You can add your comments below.
This recipe is one of my all-time favourites. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting, but special, too. There are typically two types of clams available on the market for pasta dishes — baby clams, usually sold in jars or cans, and littlenecks. You might have some variation depending on where you live. Probably, the best clam for this dish is the cockle. About an 1-inch wide, it’s the perfect, bite-size morsel. This recipe comes in two variations – with tomato sauce and without. My variation is with just because it happens to be my favourite. But, try making it with just olive oil, if you’d like.
Linguine with Clams
Ingredients
- 12 oz clams (bottled and with their juice)
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed flat with a knife
- 14 oz can of whole tomatoes (chop and discard the seeds)
- 12 oz linguine
- 4 Tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- If using fresh clams, steam them ahead of time, straining and reserving their cooking liquid.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Place olive oil into a medium saucepan; add the garlic. Heat gently for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the garlic and discard. Add the tomato and the clam liquid. Mix well. Cook over how heat until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add parsley and clams. Raise the heat to medium. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until clams are heated through.
- Drain the pasta, and remove it to the serving bowl. Pour sauce over it and stir to combine well. Let rest for a few minutes, then serve.