Calistoga clams, also known as freshwater clams, are a versatile and flavorful type of bivalve mollusk that can be enjoyed in a variety of culinary preparations. Native to the Napa Valley region of California, these clams are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and their ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with. With their tender texture and mild taste, Calistoga clams are a great choice for both simple and complex recipes. From classic steamed clams to flavorful chowders and savory stir-fries, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious dishes with these versatile shellfish. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes that showcase the unique flavor and texture of Calistoga clams, providing culinary enthusiasts with inspiration for their next seafood adventure.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPAGHETTI WITH CLAMS
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Add pasta, stirring constantly in the beginning to prevent it from sticking together. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan. When almost smoking, add shallots and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the clams and wine. Cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until most clams have opened.
- Add 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Whisk in butter to thicken sauce slightly.
- Drain pasta in a colander. Do not rinse pasta with water - this will remove the pasta's natural starches. Place pasta into the clam saute pan and mix thoroughly. Check seasoning.
- Pour pasta into large serving bowl. Zest lemon over the dish, being carefull not to zest the white part of the lemon, which is bitter. Garnish with remaining parsley. Serve immediately.
CALICO CLAMS CASINO
A few years ago, I came across this clams casino recipe in the back of my files when I was looking for a special appetizer. Everyone raved about it. Now it's often-requested dish. -Paula Sullivan, Barker, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Drain clams, reserving 2 tablespoons juice. In a large bowl, combine the clams and remaining ingredients; stir in the reserved clam juice. Spoon into greased 6-oz. custard cups or clamshell dishes; place on baking sheets. , Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 165 calories, Fat 12g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 383mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 9g protein.
BAKED CLAMS WITH ITALIAN-STYLE BREADCRUMBS AND HORSERADISH
This recipe for delicious baked clams with Italian-style breadcrumbs and horseradish can be found in "The Young Man and the Sea" by David Pasternack and Ed Levine.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat broiler. Evenly place clams in their half shells on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine horseradish and breadcrumbs; sprinkle over clams and lightly pat down to adhere. Squeeze the juice from 1 of the lemon halves over clams; drizzle with olive oil.
- Place clams under broiler, and cook until breadcrumbs are light golden and bubbly, about 6 minutes, drizzling clams with reserved clam juice halfway through cooking.
- Transfer clams to a serving plate, season with salt and pepper. Cut remaining lemon half into 4 wedges. Serve clams immediately with lemon wedges.
SCOTT URE'S CLAMS AND GARLIC
So simple, but so good - steamed clams served in their own liquor. Serve with a crusty Italian bread, or over pasta.
Provided by Scott Ure
Categories Main Dish Recipes Seafood Main Dish Recipes Clams
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute, or until tender. Pour in the white wine. Boil until wine has reduced to half its original volume.
- Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open. Add butter, cover, and cook till most or all of the clams open. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams and juice to 2 large bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 191.5 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fat 12.8 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 63.5 mg, Sugar 1 g
CALISTOGA CLAMS
Categories Herb Pasta Shellfish Tomato Low Fat Quick & Easy Clam Bon Appétit
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring first 6 ingredients to boil in large pot. Simmer 10 minutes. Break up tomatoes with wooden spoon. Add clams. Cover and cook until clams open, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer clams to bowls; keep warm.
- Add remaining ingredients to pot. Reduce heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over clams.
Tips for Making Perfect Clams
- Choose fresh clams. Look for clams that are tightly closed and have a briny smell. Avoid clams that are open or have cracked shells.
- Purge the clams before cooking. This will help to remove any sand or grit from the clams.
- Use a variety of cooking methods. Clams can be steamed, boiled, baked, or grilled. Each method will produce a different flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the clams. Clams are best when they are cooked just until they are opaque and tender. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.
- Serve the clams immediately. Clams are best when they are served hot and fresh.
Conclusion
Clams are a delicious and versatile seafood that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By following these tips, you can cook clams perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy seafood meal, reach for some clams. You won't be disappointed.
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