Best 2 Clam Risotto Recipes

CLAM RISOTTO

Steps:

• In a 2 quart saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
• Saute minced shallots in butter until soft but not browned.
• Add the rice and cook until the rice becomes translucent.
• Add the wine and cook until nearly dry.
• Add one cup of hot, not boiling, clam juice.
• Stir the rice continually as it cooks.
• When the rice absorbs all the juice add another cup and continue to stir the rice.
• Continue in this manner until you add the last cup of clam juice.
• At this time the rice should be fully cooked. If not add a little water and continue to stir and cook until the rice is just cooked through.
• Next, add the clam meat and cook for one minute.
• Add the cream and season the rice to taste.
• Cook for one additional minute.
• Serve immediately.

CLAM RISOTTO WITH LEMON

Steps:

• In a high-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add 3 cloves of the garlic and sauté for a minute or two, until soft. Add the clams and wine, cover and steam just until the clams open, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Discard any clams that fail to open. Strain and reserve the liquid. You should have about 4 cups liquid; if you don't, add water to make 4 cups. Place in a saucepan and set over low heat until hot. Put the clams in a heatproof container and place in the refrigerator until cool enough to handle. For easy eating, shuck the clams when cool. Discard the shells and reserve the meat. For a fancier presentation, leave the clams as is.
• In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté the remaining 3 cloves garlic and the onion until soft but not browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the reserved liquid, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 6 minutes, before the next addition. When finished, the rice should be toothsome but not crunchy. If necessary, continue to add liquid to achieve the desired consistency. When the rice is just al dente, remove the pan from the heat and fold in the clams and butter until the risotto is glossy.
• Divide the risotto among 4 warm plates. Drizzle each plate with olive oil. Grate lemon zest over the top of each plate and serve.