Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fresh Clams Steamed in Wine

Got wine?

Now here's an easy and  simple recipe that takes  steamers (steamed clams) to a whole new level by replacing the water  that is ordinarily used to steam the clams with a bottle of dry white wine.  I used an entire bottle of Riesling I had on hand, and the steamers became a food of elegance. What could be nicer than seafood and wine.

But I still have to chuckle, because there's no way to eat these elegantly as there is still some picking about with the fingers, the discarding of shells, and the dripping  of butter as one attempts  to pop these wonderful mollusks into the mouth.  I think no matter how much you dress these up, it is still a food that is best eaten at home with family and friends.


Clams Steamed in White Wine

There's really no recipe, just a method. I made these for me, but the recipe can be scaled up if you are serving more people.  There's no right or wrong, just personal preference.

Start out with a couple pounds of fresh clams (discarding any clams that are open).  Rinse and drain the clams in salted water a couple of times to remove any sand that might be remain in the shells).

In a lobster pot (if you have one, otherwise, a stew pot or dutch oven, depending on how much you're making), add a  liter of wine, a whole peeled onion, three or four cloves of garlic, some peppercorns, a couple of bay leaves.  Add the clams, cover and bring to a boil.  Steam for about 10 minutes and then lift the lid to take a little look-see.  If the clams have all opened, the clams are done.  If the shells remain closed, boil a little longer.  If only a few remain closed, remove them from the pot, discard, and serve the rest.

If you're of a mind to, strain the broth (because there will be sand) and serve alongside in small bowls; dip the steamers into the broth to rinse off any objectionable remnants of sand and sea and then remove the grey-black rubbery tissue that covers the neck (you'll likely need your fingers for this).  Dunk into hot melted butter (perhaps with a little lemon added) and pop into your eager mouth.  Enjoy!

42 comments:

  1. Katy, just last week at the grocery Grumpy was looking at the clams stating how much he loves them. I have only steamed them once in my life...I probably should make some for him since he mentioned it!

    I'm with you on the mess...the title sounds much more elegant than the reality of eating them!

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  2. all food is best eaten at home with friends... Love these, the sweet Riesling wine will add a great hint of flavor

    Great post!

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  3. WOW! This looks so fresh and this is my husband fav! We like to add basil leaves and chilli on it.

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  4. Never tried this..Sounds great.

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  5. I have some Sauvignon Blanc at home...;-) The steamed clams would be just perfect!

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  6. I've done this with mussels but never clams. We're so dog gone seafood sheltered here in Colorado. :-)

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  7. My huuby lov clams...recipe sounds gr8 with white wine

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  8. Is it wrong to say I prefer my clams deep fried? LOL isnt that awful..You are so talented. I think you need to take a trip to the netherlands and teach me how to cook and bake better:)

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  9. A wonderful preparation of clams, so yum!

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  10. I've never, ever eaten clams. I guess I've always been afraid to? Strange, I know, but I've also never been a big fan of seafood. Except shrimp. :)
    Now I'm gonna have to try these. I'll report back once I do!

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  11. I'm looking at these longingly... lovingly. I love the ease, the mess, the taste.... Now to find me some clams.

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  12. I have not had steamed clams in ages! I love how you steam them in wine. It sounds delicious Katy!

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  13. Yum! Steamed clams. They look so tasty.
    Mimi

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  14. I love steamed clams! Especially when they are soaked in wine... Yummy!

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  15. I agree- best eaten at home. I bet using the broth would take clam chowder to a whole 'nother level as well.

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  16. Who needs elegance and propriety when you have delicious finger food like this? Besides I think most things taste better when you eat them with your hands :P

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  17. ohhh now this is different Katy! I am a total seafood fan and could do with this :) great work! I am drooling everywhere now! xx

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  18. Sounds scrumptious! I'm going to have to give this a try! Yummy!

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  19. Katy, how lovely. I think steaming your clams with a good bottle of wine sounds absolutely divine. Great idea.

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  20. I would love to make a batch of these all for myself...or maybe some seafood loving friends. They sound amazing. Good call on the Riesling. I might have gone with something drier, without even thinking to use a sweeter white, but I bet the Riesling added a nice hint of sweet. Yummy!

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  21. I'm sure I'll love this..Something new for me to try out ..thanks Katy !

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  22. This musb really excellente and love that new pic with ur header Katy.....

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  23. It's been years since I've had clams and I know one thing for sure there was no wine added that time:)
    Katy you come up with some amazing recipes!

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  24. I adore clams in white sauce, I'm sure I would like this recipe too!

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  25. Sounds yummy and simple. I've only had mussels in a tomato-based sauce (long time ago) but this sounds even simpler and delicious.

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  26. I'm in heaven just thinking of eating these clams. We love them. We can deal with the mess once in a while.
    Mmmmmmm..........
    Have a good weekend.

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  27. Isn't it amazing how something so simple can taste so extraordinary!!! I steam mine with Riesling too!!! Have you ever tried the "sauce" over Linguine? Heavenly!!! Thanks for sharing Katy...

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  28. I really enjoy clams but I've never made them at home. Mmm! I definitely love them with butter and lemon!

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  29. I have 4 little suprises for u on the link below .which jus might be the last at VAnillaStrawberrySpringfields co z i'll be moving to BSM soon....
    So do hop and see why i think u are a fantastic, creative blogger and my happy pals...cheers and so do hope u enjoy it too....
    http://vanillastrawberryspringfields.blogspot.com/2010/03/wedding-stori-valentine-wedding-cake.html

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  30. OmiGod,i didn know that message went thru thrice-sorry..;-((((

    AND THAnx a ton for being there to add to my joy and happiness with ur kind and sweet words..Oh my dear KATY- u make me grin and my heart smile a 4ever smile-ur words are so beautifully happy and u add to all the joy too-love hopping by to ur blog so muc too and love love love what u think of those cookies....its perfectly fine-u can do what u want or

    not do anything with the awards -as long as it makes u happy im happy babes.....
    cheers and happy sunday....

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  31. Simple and elegant, and quite tasty! I love clams and you have a wonderful way of preparing them here!

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  32. Very nice, simple and delicious, these are my husband's fav.
    Cheers

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  33. Hi Katy. Sorry I haven't been around. Here/there everywhere type of thing. Hope all is okay and thanks for stopping by my blog. Your comments are very much appreciated. Now about those clams...Mmmmmm Mmmmmm Good! I have never made that and it sounds so easy. I have to some day soon try that. Have a great week Katy, take care.

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  34. how yummy! i love that idea, elegant indeed!

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  35. Simple and delicious...this is lovely!

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  36. I would relish clams steamed in wine! If you're enjoying these with friends and/or family, you don't need elegant just good food and good conversation.

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  37. Okay, well now my dear Katy...that does it! You are definitely going to have to come and stay with me once I open my B&B on the ocean. You can teach me all these wonderful mollusk thingies to do...Oh I love to taste but I am just not experience, being a prairie gal and all...love this Katy.

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  38. This sounds pretty good and simple! For me, I like it a little spicy. hmm.... Btw, I'm sure the wine going to taste fantastic after steaming with those clams. Bravo, Katy.

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  39. Can you believe I have never steamed clams? In fact, I've only bought clams in a can for chowder. Does that make me a bad foodie???

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  40. oh i never made this in any form..:)

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  41. Wow Katy! Fresh clams steamed in wine!! Where do you live again? ....I think I'm coming for dinner ,-)

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