Clams the Sailor's Way

By á-25010

It's not uncommon in Galicia to have a meal that consists of lots of different shellfish, bread and nothing else. Encarna Méndez of Do Ferreiro winery prepares clams the fisherman's way: steamed in Albariño with onion and garlic.

Ingredients

• Pinch of saffron threads
• 3/4 cup fish stock or bottled clam juice
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Albariño or other dry white wine
• 3 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• Crusty bread, for serving

Details

Servings 4
Cooking time 25mins

Preparation

Step 1

In a glass measuring cup, crumble the saffron threads into the fish stock and let stand for 10 minutes.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour until incorporated. Add the saffron-infused fish stock and Albariño and bring to a simmer, stirring, until thickened. Add the clams, cover and cook, shaking the pot, until the clams open, about 6 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. Spoon the clams into bowls. Season the Albariño sauce with salt and pepper, pour it over the clams and serve them with crusty bread.