Spaghetti with Clam Sauce - Spaghetti alle Vongole
Introduction
Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with Mama Florence's authentic Spaghetti alle Vongole. This beloved recipe captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, combining the delicate sweetness of fresh clams with the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a dish that's both elegant and approachable, promising a delightful culinary journey with every forkful.
Ingredients
4 servings
- Clams 1 kg
- Parsley (Stem) as needed
- Garlic Cloves 2
- Extra-virgin olive oil as needed
- Spaghetti 360 grams
- Salt 3 table-spoon
Preparation
Prepare the clams
2 hours before preparing Spaghetti, wash clams well under cold running water.
Fill large bowl with cold water. Add 3 full tablespoons table salt to bowl.
Add clams, allow to soak 2 hours to purge sand from clam shells.
Cook the Clams
Finely dice parsley and garlic cloves, set aside.
Drain clams well, place into large sauté pan, add 1 cup water and 2 full tablespoons of EVOO. Cover the pan, and turn heat to as high as possible until all clams have opened. Any unopened clam shells should be removed from pan and discarded.
Remove from heat, check pan bottom for additional sand. Should you see any sand, you will need to use a fine sieve to filter out the liquid and eliminate the sand.
Cook the pasta
In meantime, boil large pot of salted water, add spaghetti.
Allow to cook through, until you reach al dente consistency.
Drain pasta, add to sauté pan with clams and cooking juices.
Complete the dish
When spaghetti is being tossed with clams and cooking liquids, add chopped parsley and garlic.
Place dressed spaghetti and clams into individual serving dishes. Drizzle with good EVOO and a sprinkling of freshly-ground black pepper, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Conclusion
Mama Florence's Spaghetti alle Vongole is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a reminder that the most profound flavors often come from the simplest, freshest ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe empowers you to create a truly memorable dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Enjoy the taste of the sea, crafted with love, right in your own home.
