Frittata Della Casa Di Mio Madre Recipes

CLAMS IN A CATAPLANA CASA VELHA

Steps:

• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: Cook the onions, garlic, and green peppers in the oil in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until limp and golden. Add the bay leaf, tomatoes, and their juice. Break up any large clumps of tomatoes, bring mixture to a simmer, cover and cook slowly for 30 minutes; add the tomato sauce, prosciutto, smoked ham, and chourico; cover, and cook 30 minutes longer. The sauce can be made as much as 2 days ahead of time but do not buy the clams until the day you plan to serve the cataplana. The sauce should be covered and refrigerated until you are ready to proceed.
• To assemble the cataplana: Spoon 1/2 the tomato mixture into the bottom of a very large cataplana pot, and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Adjust the heat so that the mixture barely boils, arrange the clams on top, spoon in the remaining tomato sauce and wine, cover tightly, cook 10 minutes over moderately low heat, do not lift cover. Open the cataplana or kettle, scatter the parsley evenly on top, and then toss the clams lightly. If clams have not opened, cover and cook slowly for 5 to 10 minutes longer or until the clams open. Discard any that do not.
• Carry the cataplana or kettle to the table, take off lid, and ladle into large soup plates. Cook's note: Types of small clams to use are West Coast butter clams or small Littleneck clams. Also, be sure to put out a large bowl for empty clamshells.

DELLA NONNA SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peas and cook until bright green and tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the peas with a slotted spoon or strainer and set aside. Use the same water to cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
• 2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat butter over medium heat. Add the prosciutto or pancetta and cook until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the shallot and thyme and cook until slightly softened, but not brown, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the wine. Let the wine evaporate slightly and then add the heavy cream. Cook until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir the cheese, parsley, and peas into the sauce until it thickens a little more.
• 3. Toss the pasta in the sauce and use the reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the sauce slightly. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with additional cheese and parsley, if desired.