Embark on a culinary journey to savor the authentic flavors of New England with our comprehensive guide to preparing a quintessential Portuguese clam boil. This iconic seafood feast originated from the vibrant fishing communities of southern New England, where the freshest catches are celebrated with a delightful blend of savory ingredients. As you gather your friends and family around the dining table, allow us to take you on a step-by-step adventure in creating a clam boil that captures the essence of this regional tradition.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
NEW ENGLAND PORTUGUESE CLAM BOIL
This is one of my childhood favorites. I grew up in southern Massachusetts where there is a huge portuguese population. We would go to the coast and collect any muscles, clams or periwinkles we could find and then toss them in a pot once we got home. These days a trip to the supermarket works okay. Feel free to add whatever seafood you'd like. Ingredient amounts are estimations since we really just threw whatever we had into a large pot. Make sure the clams and mussels are fresh and discard any that don't look so great.
Provided by C. Taylor
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- De-beard and de-sand the mussels and clams. You may also be able to buy them already cleaned. Cut the chorizo into 6 large pieces (approximately 4 inch lengths).
- In a large pot add the potatoes first, then the onion and chorizo.
- Add the 2 bottles of beer and then enough water to cover the chorizo. Add a generous bit of salt and pepper and then a pinch of pepper flakes if you want some extra heat. Cover and bring the pot to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are almost tender.
- Add the clams and muscles and continue to boil for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the clams and muscles have popped open.
- Serve with a small bowl of melted butter and lemon juice and another small bowl of the broth for dipping. Eat by pulling the seafood out of the shell, then dip into the broth to rinse any extra sand and then into the butter. Yum!
RECIPE: PORTUGUESE NEW ENGLAND CLAM BOIL
Learn how to make a New England clam boil in a big pot, complete with Portuguese sausage.
Provided by Tasting Table Staff
Categories Main Course
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large stockpot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, black peppercorns and red pepper flakes, and season with salt. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft but haven't browned too much, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the beer and potatoes, and season with more salt. Increase the heat and cook at a high simmer until the potatoes are almost tender, 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size. Add the sausage, nestling each piece into the broth. Top with the clams and corn. Cover and cook until the clams begin to open, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, divide the clams, sausage and vegetables into bowls. Ladle the broth into each bowl and sprinkle the scallions and parsley over the tops. Serve with lemon wedges.
NEW ENGLAND CLAM BOIL
Steps:
- Arrange corn, sausage, potatoes, and onions in a steamer basket over boiling water in a Dutch oven. Top with lobsters and clams. Cover and steam 20 minutes. Serve with butter and lemon. Makes 4 servings.
Tips:
- Choose the freshest clams possible. Look for clams that are tightly closed and have a briny smell. Avoid clams that are open or have a foul odor.
- Purge the clams before cooking. This will help to remove any sand or grit from the clams.
- Use a large pot for cooking the clams. This will help to ensure that the clams have enough room to cook evenly.
- Add aromatics and seasonings to the cooking liquid. This will help to flavor the clams.
- Cook the clams until they are just tender. Overcooking will make the clams tough.
- Serve the clams immediately. They can be served with melted butter, drawn butter, or a variety of dipping sauces.
Conclusion:
New England Portuguese Clam Boils are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful feast that will be enjoyed by all. So next time you're looking for a seafood dish to impress your friends and family, give New England Portuguese Clam Boils a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#60-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #occasion #north-american #main-dish #pork #seafood #american #easy #european #beginner-cook #portuguese #dietary #spicy #one-dish-meal #comfort-food #low-carb #mussels #northeastern-united-states #low-in-something #meat #pork-sausage #shellfish #clams #taste-mood #savory
You'll also love