The Mussels and Clams cook beautifully in garlic, shallots in a light sauce with diced tomatoes, white wine and butter that is perfect for dipping crusty bread into.
Once you are ready to prepare the clams, place them in a bowl. Under cold water, scrub any grit off of the shells. Discard any shellfish that are open. Place them in a clean bowl and now they are ready for cooking.
For Mussels, sometimes they have some dirt and they need a rinse. However, you will also see a small cluster of what looks like fibers on the side of the mussels. These are the beards. Gently tug down, not out to remove. They should come right off. Again, most Mussels on the market are pretty clean because they are farmed. If you purchase wild Mussels, you will see they have more debris and the beards are noticeable. Like the clams, discard any that are open.
Step by step cooking instructions for Mussels and Clams
Using a 7 quart dutch oven or heavy bottom 7 qt saucier or braising pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes with juice, white wine, bay leaf and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a spicy tomato broth) add butter, stir and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until tomatoes tenderize and cook down.
Add clams evenly in the pan and place lid on the pot. Steam for 5 minutes.
Add mussels and cook for 5 minutes more. Mussels and clams will be completely open when cooked. Discard any shellfish that have not opened.
How to grill Sourdough bread
Using a stovetop grill pan, preheat to medium-high heat. Brush olive oil onto both sides of Sourdough bread slices. Place on hot grill pan and grill both sides until golden brown and toasted.
How to serve Mussels and Clams in Tomato Wine Broth
Place a generous serving of the Mussels and Clams in Tomato broth in a shallow bowl with plenty of broth and grilled bread to soak up the insanely flavorful broth
Notes
This recipe serves 4-6 as a main course and 8 as an appetizer course.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 590kcal
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
Keyword 30 minute dinner, Italian Mussels and Clams, Mediterranean Diet, shellfish recipe