Clam Stew
Clam Stew is a heartwarming dish that celebrates the essence of the sea. This comforting stew, brimming with tender clams, savory broth, potatoes, and a blend of aromatic vegetables, is a cozy coastal classic.
Originating from fishing communities, clam stew embodies the flavors of fresh shellfish with a rustic simplicity.
While clam chowders often use a creamy base, clam stew leans toward a lighter, more broth-focused texture, allowing the natural sweetness of the clams to shine through.
Perfect for any seafood lover, this clam stew is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great option for gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 3 lbs fresh clams (littleneck or manila)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup white wine
- 4 cups fish or vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh thyme or oregano, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Clams
Clean the Clams – Place clams in a bowl of cold water with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes to expel sand. Rinse them well under cold water and discard any clams that are open and do not close when tapped.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the Oil and Butter – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
Sauté Aromatics – Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Wine
Season the Vegetables – Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
Deglaze with Wine – Pour in the white wine, using a spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and infuse with the vegetables.
Step 4: Add Stock and Potatoes
Add the Broth – Pour in the fish or vegetable stock, stirring well to combine.
Add Potatoes – Add the diced potatoes to the pot and increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil.
Simmer – Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add Clams and Finish Stew
Add the Clams – Carefully add the cleaned clams to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and allow the clams to steam for about 5–7 minutes or until they open. Discard any clams that do not open.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste the stew and add additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve with Fresh Herbs – Ladle the stew into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and thyme or oregano.
Add Lemon Wedges – Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty flavor boost, which complements the clams beautifully.
Chef’s Note:
Choosing Clams: Fresh, small clams like littleneck or manila are ideal for stew due to their tender meat and delicate flavor. Avoid larger clams, which can be tougher.
Optional Additions: If you prefer a heartier stew, add chopped tomatoes for a hint of acidity or a handful of spinach for color and nutrition.
Using Canned Clams: If fresh clams aren’t available, you can substitute with canned clams and use clam juice instead of stock. Add canned clams at the end and heat briefly to avoid overcooking.
Enhancing Flavor: For a richer flavor, add a small splash of clam juice or a pinch of saffron threads. The saffron gives an aromatic depth that pairs excellently with seafood.
Serve with Bread: Crusty bread is the perfect side for soaking up the flavorful broth. Try a sourdough or baguette to complement the stew’s savory taste.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on four servings):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 700mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the ingredients and quantities used.
Tips for Perfect Clam Stew:
Don’t Overcook the Clams: Once the clams open, remove the stew from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Overcooked clams can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
Flavor Development: Allowing the stew to simmer with the seasonings and wine before adding the clams helps develop a deeper, more robust flavor. If time allows, simmer the broth for an extra 5–10 minutes for a more intense taste.
Storing Leftovers: Clam stew is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid toughening the clams.
Freezing: Clam stew can be frozen, though the texture of the clams may change slightly. Freeze without the clams if planning to make a large batch; add fresh or canned clams when reheating.
This Clam Stew offers a taste of the sea in every spoonful, with its light, broth-based consistency and savory, herbal undertones.
Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking to explore coastal flavors, this stew is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of clams alongside hearty vegetables and a flavorful broth. Enjoy with friends, family, or simply a good book and a cozy blanket!
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