Elmers El Salvadorean Clam Salsa Recipes

STEAMED CLAMS WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• In a large blender place the red onion, jalapenos, and lime juice start to puree by pulsing the mixture for 30 seconds to a 1 minute.
• With the blender running, start adding the parsley and cilantro in handful bunches, slowly so as not to crowd the blender. When the whole mixture is smooth, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Heat a large saute pan on high with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, when the oil begins to smoke add the sliced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until the garlic slices are brown but not burned. Add the clams and cook for 2 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan with the white wine and clam juice, cover the pan and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove the lid and add the pureed salsa verde mixture stirring constantly in order to combine the clams, their cooking liquid, and the salsa verde thoroughly. Cook for 3 more minutes, season with salt and pepper and serve with grilled bread points.

ALMEJAS A LA MARINERA (SAILOR'S CLAMS)

Steps:

• Scrub the clams under cold running water, discarding any that fail to close to the touch. In a large bowl, combine the clams, a handful of coarse salt and enough water to cover the clams. Let stand for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours so that the clams release any sand trapped in their shells. Drain and set aside the clams.
• Then, in a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute, stirring often, until golden, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the paprika and breadcrumbs and saute a couple of minutes longer, until the ingredients are very fragrant and golden. Add the clams, white wine and clam broth. Cover and let steam for a few minutes, just until the clams open. Discard any clams that don't open.
• Check the broth for seasoning. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve the clams with their broth and some crusty sourdough bread on the side. Lemon wedges are optional.

CLAM AND CALAMARI SEAFOOD STEW WITH SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• For salsa verde:
• Combine all herbs in medium bowl. Whisk in vinegar and mustard, then gradually whisk in oil. Season salsa verde to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and let stand at room temperature until ready to use, up to 2 hours.
• For seafood stew:
• Bring fish bones, skin, and head and 5 cups water to simmer in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until broth is reduced to 4 cups, about 30 minutes; strain broth into bowl.
• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-low heat. Add onion, fennel, and garlic. Sauté until very soft but not brown, about 25 minutes. Mix in crushed red pepper; stir 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir until beginning to darken, about 5 minutes. Add broth and olives and bring to simmer. Add all fish and seafood. Simmer uncovered until clams open and fish and squid are just opaque in center and tender, 6 to 8 minutes (discard any clams that do not open). Season seafood stew to taste with salt and pepper.
• Toast bread. Cut each slice in half. Place 2 bread halves in each of 4 shallow bowls. Ladle stew over bread, dividing equally. Drizzle stew with salsa verde. Serve, passing remaining bread and salsa verde separately.

EL COMPADRE'S SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a non-reactive bowl.
• Let stand about 1 hour to allow flavors to marry.
• Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Yield is estimated.