Clams With Oregano And Bread Crumbs Vongole Origanate Recipes

BAKED CLAMS OREGANATA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Place the clams on a sheet tray and put them in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until the clams just begin to open. We don't want to cook the clams, we just want them to open a little.
• Using a butter knife pry the clams open and remove the top shell and discard. Completely pull the clam away from the bottom shell and place it back in the bottom shell. This will allow for easy eating.
• Preheat the broiler and adjust the rack to the top shelf.
• In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper and some salt. Add the olive oil and stir until well combined. Add chicken stock until the mixture is quite wet. Taste to check the seasoning, add more salt if needed.
• Pack each clam full of the bread crumb mixture. Pack the bread crumbs down and really secure the edges. This will help the clam stay moist.
• Place the clams on a sheet tray and add about 1/2 cup of water to the tray. This will also help the clams stay moist. Put the tray under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes or until the bread crumbs are nice and brown and crispy.

CLAMS WITH OREGANO AND BREAD CRUMBS (VONGOLE ORIGANATE)

Steps:

• Carefully open the clams, discarding the top shells, and drain the clam liquid into a small mixing bowl. Set aside. Loosen the clams from the bottom shells but do not remove them. Pour the salt onto a baking sheet so that it is at least 1/2-inch deep and arrange the clams in their half-shells in the salt.
• In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat until smoking. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook 6 to 7 minutes, until softened and light golden brown. Add the bread crumbs and continue cooking another 3 minutes, until they are light golden brown as well. Remove the mixture from the heat, season with salt and pepper, and cool. Stir in the oregano and the reserved clam liquid.
• Preheat the broiler. Pack about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture loosely into each clam shell. (Remember that the clam, not the stuffing, is the most important part of this dish; stuffing should surround and enhance the clam, not overpower it.)
• Place the clams under the broiler and heat through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, just until the crumb mixture is deep golden brown; you're not really cooking the clam. Drizzle with a drop of olive oil, and serve.

CLAMS OREGANATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to broil.
• In a large bowl gently toss bread crumbs, herbs, olive oil, salt and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the mixture. Set aside.
• Line a baking sheet with salt and arrange 12 clam shells. Put 1 clam in each shell and top with 2 tablespoons of the bread crumb mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil 2 to 3 minutes.

STUFFED CLAMS OREGANATA WITH HARISSA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Place the clams in a small sauté pan and into the oven. Roast until they just open, 8 to 10 minutes. Discard any unopened clams. Use a shucker or spoon to open the shells the rest of the way. Remove the top shells and discard, placing the clams back in the bottoms of the deeper shells.
• Whisk together the breadcrumbs, parsley, olive oil, oregano, harissa, miso, cayenne, garlic, half the scallions and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Add the stock and white wine until the stuffing resembles wet sand. Add more breadcrumbs if necessary. Stuff the clam halves with the stuffing.
• Place the clam shells on a half-sheet tray and bake until the top is lightly browned, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer the clams to a plate spread with coarse salt and black and pink peppercorns. Garnish with the chopped parsley and remaining scallions and serve warm.