Description
Clam Acqua Pazza, a simple Italian seafood dish featuring fresh clams cooked in a flavorful broth of garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a hint of chili pepper, served with crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh clams (littlenecks or Manila)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup vegetable broth
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 red chili pepper (optional, sliced)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the clams under cold water and soak them in fresh water for 30 minutes to release any trapped sand.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Pour in vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cleaned clams to the pot and gently stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the clams open. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spoon the clams and broth into shallow bowls, ensuring plenty of broth for dipping or serving with crusty bread.
Notes
If using frozen clams, thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili pepper or add cayenne pepper.
Pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic, tomatoes, and broth ahead of time.
For variety, substitute clams with squid, shrimp, or fish, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer and Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
