Belgian Ish Clams Recipes

LINGUINE WITH CLAMS

Steps:

• In large pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until just shy of al dente (the pasta should still be firm to the bite since it will cook another minute or two in the sauce).
• Meanwhile, in a very large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add the wine, red pepper flakes, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, clams, and ¼ cup of the parsley; bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the clams open, 6 to 8 minutes. Discard any unopened clams.
• Reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, drain the linguine in a colander (do not rinse). Add the pasta to the sauté pan with the clams. (If you don't have room for everything in one pan, transfer the clams to a plate and cover to keep warm. When ready to serve, add them back to the pasta on a serving platter). Increase the heat to medium and cook the linguini with the clams, tossing occasionally, until the pasta absorbs most of the sauce and is just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley; toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon zest and/or lemon juice, if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish or bowls and serve.
• Note: When cooking with wine, select a bottle that is inexpensive (under $10) but still good enough to drink. Avoid "cooking wines," which are salty and include additives.

FLAVORFUL TOFU TOSTADA

Steps:

• Pat the tofu dry with a paper towel and then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
• In a large bowl, combine the tofu cubes, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, orange juice and the juice of 2 limes. Give it a good stir, then cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight.
• Mix together the sour cream, sriracha and the juice of 1 lime in a small mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Fry the tortillas in batches of two until lightly crispy but still tender on the inside, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
• Remove the tofu from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. In the same pan the tortillas were cooked in, sear the tofu over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate.
• Add the cabbage to the pan and saute until wilted, 3 minutes. Add the spinach and saute until wilted, another 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spread each tortilla with a spoonful of the sour cream mixture. Top with the spinach and cabbage and 4 or 5 crispy tofu cubes. Serve immediately.