Braised Clams In Parsley Broth Peas And Bruschetta With Tomatoes And Fried Capers Recipes

CLAMS AND SPAGHETTI WITH SPICY TOMATO BROTH

Steps:

• Set a large pot of water on a back burner over medium-high heat, covered, so it is ready and boiling when it's time to cook the pasta.
• Put a wide Dutch oven or deep heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add onion, and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until softened and lightly colored.
• Stir in chopped green garlic, bay leaf, hot pepper and thyme sprig. Stir to coat and let sizzle. Season mixture generously with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and wine, and bring mixture to a brisk simmer, stirring. Simmer 5 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning. Thin with water if necessary: You don't want it to be too thick.
• Salt the pasta water and cook the spaghetti at a rapid boil until al dente - usually a minute or 2 less than instructions on package.
• Add clams to Dutch oven or skillet, turn heat to high and put on the lid. Stir clams with a large spoon a couple of times (to help heat disperse evenly) and replace lid. They should take 5 to 6 minutes to open. Once all clams are open, turn off heat and leave to rest, covered, for a few minutes.
• Drain pasta and, using tongs, divide among 4 to 6 bowls. Using a large slotted spoon or tongs, top pasta with an equal amount of clams. Ladle all remaining broth in the pot over each serving.
• Season halved cherry tomatoes with salt and a little olive oil. Spoon seasoned cherry tomatoes over top of the bowls.
• Sprinkle with chives, parsley and basil leaves. Serve.

STEAMED CLAMS WITH GARLIC-PARSLEY BUTTER AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Make the garlic butter: Combine butter, parsley and garlic in a food processor. Whiz until bright green and well incorporated, about 1 minute. Season lightly with salt and pepper. (You may make the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks, but it tastes best freshly made.)
• Set a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil and swirl to coat. Add leeks, stir to coat, and cook for 30 seconds, then add clams and wine.
• Turn heat to high, cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until all clams have opened. With a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer clams to individual bowls.
• In the same skillet, over medium heat, add lime zest, lime juice and butter, and let simmer briefly, about 30 seconds, until warmed through. Pour sauce over clams, garnish with lime wedges and serve.

PEAS WITH PARSLEY AND GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté until very fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add peas and broth. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until peas are tender, about 4 minutes. Mix in parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.