**Baked Clams Oreganata: A Classic Italian Appetizer Indulgence**
Baked clams oreganata, a delectable Italian appetizer, tantalizes taste buds with its savory blend of tender clams, aromatic herbs, and a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping. This culinary gem, often served in its shell, combines the briny sweetness of the clams with a flavorful stuffing of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and a hint of lemon. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures, from the soft and succulent clams to the crunchy breadcrumb crust. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Italian coastal cuisine, baked clams oreganata is sure to impress. Discover the authentic recipe within this article, along with variations that cater to different dietary preferences and introduce exciting flavor twists. From a traditional rendition to a spicy twist with chili flakes or a vegetarian adaptation using mushrooms, these recipes unveil the versatility of this classic dish.
CLAMS OREGANATA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories appetizer
Time 15m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
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.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATA
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place the clams on a sheet tray and put them in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until the clams just begin to open. We don't want to cook the clams, we just want them to open a little.
- Using a butter knife pry the clams open and remove the top shell and discard. Completely pull the clam away from the bottom shell and place it back in the bottom shell. This will allow for easy eating.
- Preheat the broiler and adjust the rack to the top shelf.
- In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper and some salt. Add the olive oil and stir until well combined. Add chicken stock until the mixture is quite wet. Taste to check the seasoning, add more salt if needed.
- Pack each clam full of the bread crumb mixture. Pack the bread crumbs down and really secure the edges. This will help the clam stay moist.
- Place the clams on a sheet tray and add about 1/2 cup of water to the tray. This will also help the clams stay moist. Put the tray under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes or until the bread crumbs are nice and brown and crispy.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATE
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, appetizer, main course
Time 30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat broiler. Place rack in lowest setting, or about 12 inches from heat.
- Combine bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano and salt and pepper. Add olive oil, and toss until crumbs are evenly coated. Stir in broth, mixing to blend. Mixture will be quite damp.
- Put a rounded teaspoon of the crumb mixture on each clam, smoothing the top. Arrange clams on baking sheet with sides, and pour in about 1/8 inch water. Broil until topping is lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 204, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 569 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATA
Steps:
- Let the oil and garlic steep in a small bowl 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 475° F. Shuck the clams as described on page 7, reserving the clam juice. Strain the juice through cheesecloth or a very fine sieve into a 13 × 11-inch baking dish. Add the white wine, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the parsley, the butter, and half of the crushed red pepper.
- In a deep bowl, toss the bread crumbs, grated cheese, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of the garlic-infused oil, the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley, the oregano, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper until thoroughly blended.
- Top each clam with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the bread-crumb topping, packing it down tight. Set clams in the prepared baking pan and drizzle the remaining infused oil over them. Bake until the pan juices are bubbling and the bread crumbs are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the clams to a warm platter or divide among serving plates.
- To keep the bread-crumb topping crunchy, spoon the sauce from the baking dish onto the plates-not over the clams. Serve immediately, garnished with the lemon slices.
BAKED CLAMS OREGANATA
Categories Pepper Shellfish Bake Cocktail Party Quick & Easy Clam Oregano Gourmet
Yield Makes 24 baked clams, serving 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Make topping:
- In a small bowl stir together topping ingredients until combined well and season with salt and pepper.
- Scrub reserved clam shells inside and out and dry. In a shallow baking pan spread coarse salt about 1/4 inch deep and nestle shells in salt to keep them level. Return shucked clams to shells and cover generously with topping. Clams may be prepared up to this point 1 hour ahead and chilled.
- Bake clams in middle of oven 10 minutes. Serve clams nestled in coarse salt on a platter.
Tips:
- Fresh Clams: Use the freshest clams you can find. They should be tightly closed and smell like the sea.
- Proper Cleaning: Before cooking, soak the clams in cold water for 20 minutes to remove any grit or sand. Scrub the shells gently with a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Plump Clams: Before baking, tap each clam on the counter. If it doesn't close tightly, discard it.
- Garlic Butter: Make sure the garlic butter is melted and flavorful. Use a good quality butter and fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Use a combination of fresh and dry breadcrumbs for a crispy and flavorful topping.
- Cheese: Use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a gooey and melted cheese topping.
- Baking Time: Bake the clams until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the clams are cooked through. Overcooking can make the clams tough.
Conclusion:
Baked Clams Oreganata is a classic Italian-American appetizer that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of fresh clams, flavorful garlic butter, crispy breadcrumbs, and melted cheese, it's a dish that everyone will love. Serve it as a starter at your next party or gathering, or enjoy it as a main course with a side of pasta or salad. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of clams. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy seafood recipe, give Baked Clams Oreganata a try. You won't be disappointed!
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