Clams with oregano and bread crumbs, also known as "Vongole Originate," is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the aromatic herbs and crispy texture of bread crumbs. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. In this article, we will explore the best recipes for cooking clams with oregano and bread crumbs, providing you with step-by-step instructions, ingredient suggestions, and variations to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this article will guide you in creating a delicious and authentic version of this timeless Italian dish.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
CLAMS WITH OREGANO AND BREAD CRUMBS (VONGOLE ORIGANATE)
This "red sauce meets Guido in Little Italy" classic has much more to do with the clams than what you may be used to eating. Note that the bread crumbs here are fresh-that is to say, made only from today's bread, not from day-old bread (and definitely not the kind that comes in a can).
Provided by Mario Batali
Categories Shellfish Appetizer Broil Sauté Christmas Seafood Clam Bell Pepper Fall Christmas Eve Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Serves 4-8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Carefully open the clams, discarding the top shells, and drain the clam liquid into a small mixing bowl. Set aside. Loosen the clams from the bottom shells but do not remove them. Pour the salt onto a baking sheet so that it is at least 1/2-inch deep and arrange the clams in their half-shells in the salt.
- In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat until smoking. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook 6 to 7 minutes, until softened and light golden brown. Add the bread crumbs and continue cooking another 3 minutes, until they are light golden brown as well. Remove the mixture from the heat, season with salt and pepper, and cool. Stir in the oregano and the reserved clam liquid.
- Preheat the broiler. Pack about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture loosely into each clam shell. (Remember that the clam, not the stuffing, is the most important part of this dish; stuffing should surround and enhance the clam, not overpower it.)
- Place the clams under the broiler and heat through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, just until the crumb mixture is deep golden brown; you're not really cooking the clam. Drizzle with a drop of olive oil, and serve.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATA
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place the clams on a sheet tray and put them in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until the clams just begin to open. We don't want to cook the clams, we just want them to open a little.
- Using a butter knife pry the clams open and remove the top shell and discard. Completely pull the clam away from the bottom shell and place it back in the bottom shell. This will allow for easy eating.
- Preheat the broiler and adjust the rack to the top shelf.
- In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper and some salt. Add the olive oil and stir until well combined. Add chicken stock until the mixture is quite wet. Taste to check the seasoning, add more salt if needed.
- Pack each clam full of the bread crumb mixture. Pack the bread crumbs down and really secure the edges. This will help the clam stay moist.
- Place the clams on a sheet tray and add about 1/2 cup of water to the tray. This will also help the clams stay moist. Put the tray under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes or until the bread crumbs are nice and brown and crispy.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATE
Steps:
- BREAD CRUMBS: Unless you make your own bread crumbs, you won't be following Rao's kitchen tradition. Use the finest quality Italian bread you can find. Allow it to dry for at least 2 days, then grate, using a handheld grater or a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Shake and push the bread crumbs through a medium strainer to get an even texture.
- BAKED CLAMS: Have your fishmonger open your clams if you are not comfortable doing the job yourself. Leave the clams on the half shell and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place broiler tray on the lowest rack and preheat broiler. Combine bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. Add olive oil and toss mixture until crumbs are evenly coated. Add the broth and continue to mix until very well blended. The mixture should be quite wet.
- Put approximately 1 heaping teaspoon of bread crumb mixture on each clam. Smooth over the top, making sure that the edges are sealed. Using the edge of a teaspoon, cut ridges into the topping. Pour 1/8-inch cold water into a cookie sheet with sides (to keep the clams moist while broiling) and broil for about 7 minutes or until the bread crumb topping is well browned and crisp.
- Put 6 clams on each of 6 small, warm serving plates. Garnish each plate with 1 lemon wedge and parsley sprig and serve.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATE
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, appetizer, main course
Time 30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat broiler. Place rack in lowest setting, or about 12 inches from heat.
- Combine bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano and salt and pepper. Add olive oil, and toss until crumbs are evenly coated. Stir in broth, mixing to blend. Mixture will be quite damp.
- Put a rounded teaspoon of the crumb mixture on each clam, smoothing the top. Arrange clams on baking sheet with sides, and pour in about 1/8 inch water. Broil until topping is lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 204, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 569 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CLAMS OREGANATA
Make and share this Clams Oreganata recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Phil Franco
Categories European
Time 17m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook garlic in oil in a deep 4 to 6 quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes and 1 tablespoon oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with pepper.
- Add clams, stirring well to coat, then cover pot tightly and increase heat to moderately high. Cook, stirring once, until clams open, 5 to 7 minutes. (Discard any clams that have not opened after 7 minutes.)
- While clams are cooking, toss together bread crumbs, zest, and remaining tablespoon oregano. Divide clams and pan juices among clam shells, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately. Serves 8.
- Note: Larger hard-shelled clams such as littlenecks (2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter) can be used, but cooking time will increase to 8 to 10 minutes.
- That's it!
Tips:
- Fresh clams are essential for this dish. 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. Place the clams in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 30 minutes. This will help to remove any sand or grit from the clams. - Use a large pot to cook the clams. This will give the clams plenty of room to open up. - Add white wine or clam juice to the pot. This will help to create a flavorful broth. - Season the broth with oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. - Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams have opened. - Discard any clams that do not open. - Serve the clams with crusty bread or pasta.Conclusion:
Clams with oregano and bread crumbs is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a new seafood recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!
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