LINGUINI WITH RED CLAM SAUCE (LINGUINI CON LE VONGOLE AL SUGO)

Steps:

• A Neopolitan custom is to let the clams soak in very cold water with a tsp of salt and the juice of one lemon for about 1/2 hour.
• This will remove any sand or grit in the clams.
• This step is optional, but I do suggest that you at least scrub the outer shells of the littlenecks quite well with a vegetable brush.
• Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil for the linguini.
• In another pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
• Add shallots and crushed red pepper and sauté until shallots are softened.
• Add chopped garlic and anchovies, and saute until anchovies begin to melt into the olive oil, careful not to let garlic get too dark.
• Carefully add chopped tomatoes with their liquid.
• Stir to combine, and add dried basil and oregano.
• Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer sauce until ready to cook clams and linguini.
• Add little neck clams to the simmering tomato sauce, stir to coat well, and cover.
• While clams begin to steam in sauce, generously salt the boiling pasta water, add linguini, and cook until al dente, (about 7 minutes).
• As clams begin to open, I remove them to a large bowl and cover, until pasta and remaining clams are cooked.
• Drain pasta, and transfer to a serving bowl.
• Top with tomato sauce and toss with chopped fresh basil.
• Finally, add cooked clams over top the pasta, still in their shells.