Clams Oreganata Recipe Lidia Recipes Recipe For Meatloaf

CLAMS OREGANATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to broil.
• In a large bowl gently toss bread crumbs, herbs, olive oil, salt and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the mixture. Set aside.
• Line a baking sheet with salt and arrange 12 clam shells. Put 1 clam in each shell and top with 2 tablespoons of the bread crumb mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil 2 to 3 minutes.

CLAMS WITH OREGANO AND BREAD CRUMBS (VONGOLE ORIGANATE)

Steps:

• Carefully open the clams, discarding the top shells, and drain the clam liquid into a small mixing bowl. Set aside. Loosen the clams from the bottom shells but do not remove them. Pour the salt onto a baking sheet so that it is at least 1/2-inch deep and arrange the clams in their half-shells in the salt.
• In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat until smoking. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook 6 to 7 minutes, until softened and light golden brown. Add the bread crumbs and continue cooking another 3 minutes, until they are light golden brown as well. Remove the mixture from the heat, season with salt and pepper, and cool. Stir in the oregano and the reserved clam liquid.
• Preheat the broiler. Pack about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture loosely into each clam shell. (Remember that the clam, not the stuffing, is the most important part of this dish; stuffing should surround and enhance the clam, not overpower it.)
• Place the clams under the broiler and heat through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, just until the crumb mixture is deep golden brown; you're not really cooking the clam. Drizzle with a drop of olive oil, and serve.

BAKED CLAMS OREGANATE

Steps:

• BREAD CRUMBS: Unless you make your own bread crumbs, you won't be following Rao's kitchen tradition. Use the finest quality Italian bread you can find. Allow it to dry for at least 2 days, then grate, using a handheld grater or a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Shake and push the bread crumbs through a medium strainer to get an even texture.
• BAKED CLAMS: Have your fishmonger open your clams if you are not comfortable doing the job yourself. Leave the clams on the half shell and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Place broiler tray on the lowest rack and preheat broiler. Combine bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. Add olive oil and toss mixture until crumbs are evenly coated. Add the broth and continue to mix until very well blended. The mixture should be quite wet.
• Put approximately 1 heaping teaspoon of bread crumb mixture on each clam. Smooth over the top, making sure that the edges are sealed. Using the edge of a teaspoon, cut ridges into the topping. Pour 1/8-inch cold water into a cookie sheet with sides (to keep the clams moist while broiling) and broil for about 7 minutes or until the bread crumb topping is well browned and crisp.
• Put 6 clams on each of 6 small, warm serving plates. Garnish each plate with 1 lemon wedge and parsley sprig and serve.