Clams With Jalapeno Lemon And Basil Recipes

STEAMED CLAMS WITH JALAPEñO BUTTER

Steps:

• Scrub the clams under cold running water to remove grit and sand, then set aside.
• Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large pot set over medium heat. Add the bacon, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has started to crisp, approximately 5 minutes.
• Add the beer to the pot, and allow to heat through, then carefully add the clams in layers. Cover the pot, and let the clams steam and open, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
• While the clams cook, put a small pot over medium heat, and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. When it melts, add the jalapeños and stir to combine. Keep the butter warm until ready to use.
• Drain the clams, reserving their liquor, and serve them on a platter, with the reserved clam broth and the melted butter.

CLAMS WITH JALAPENO, LEMON AND BASIL

Steps:

• Melt butter in very large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add minced garlic and jalapeño; stir until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes.
• Add tomato sauce, wine, and lemon juice and bring to boil.
• Add clams; cover and boil until clams open, about 9 minutes (discard any clams that do not open).
• Add basil and lemon peel.
• Season with pepper.
• Transfer clams and sauce to large bowl and serve.

CLAM PASTA WITH BASIL AND HOT PEPPER

Steps:

• Make the purée: Grind basil and parsley together in a food processor. (Alternatively, hand chop herbs or pound them in a mortar.) Add garlic paste and 1/4 cup olive oil and pulse to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, taking care to keep pasta quite al dente. It's best to use a timer, and drain pasta as soon as it's done.
• While pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed wide pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, fennel seed if using and pepperoncino, and let sizzle without browning, about 1 minute. Add clams, stirring to coat with a wooden spoon. Raise heat to high, add wine and put on the lid. Cook, covered, until all clams have opened, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn off heat. (Discard any clams that fail to open.)
• Add cooked pasta and basil purée to pot and toss gently to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with basil leaves and lemon wedges.