**Clams with Oregano and Bread Crumbs (Vongole Originate)**
Clams with oregano and bread crumbs, also known as "Vongole Originate," is a classic Italian dish that combines the briny sweetness of clams with the aromatic flavors of oregano and the crunchy texture of bread crumbs. This simple yet satisfying dish is a popular appetizer or main course, and it can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.
In this article, we will explore two variations of this delectable dish: the traditional "Vongole Originate" and a modern twist with the addition of cherry tomatoes. Both recipes use fresh clams, oregano, bread crumbs, and white wine as their base ingredients, but they differ in their cooking methods and the addition of a few extra ingredients.
The traditional "Vongole Originate" recipe involves sautéing the clams in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, garlic, and white wine until they open. Once the clams are cooked, they are transferred to a serving dish, and the remaining sauce is thickened with a simple roux made from butter and flour. Finally, the dish is garnished with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and served with toasted bread for dipping.
The modern variation of "Vongole Originate" adds a vibrant burst of color and flavor with the inclusion of cherry tomatoes. The tomatoes are sautéed along with the garlic and white wine, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. The clams are then added to the pan and cooked until they open. Similar to the traditional recipe, the clams are transferred to a serving dish, and the sauce is thickened with a roux. However, this variation incorporates a touch of cream to create a creamy and velvety sauce.
Whether you choose the traditional or modern recipe, "Clams with Oregano and Bread Crumbs" is a delightful dish that showcases the beauty of fresh seafood and the versatility of simple ingredients. Its combination of briny, aromatic, and crunchy flavors is sure to please even the most discerning palate. So gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to the shores of Italy with this classic dish.
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.
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 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.
CLAMS OREGANATA
Categories Shellfish Appetizer Side Seafood Clam Spring Party Oregano Gourmet Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook garlic in oil in a deep 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and 1 tablespoon oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with pepper. Add clams, stirring well to coat, then cover pot tightly and increase heat to moderately high. Cook, stirring once, until clams open, 5 to 7 minutes. (Discard any clams that have not opened after 7 minutes.)
- While clams are cooking, toss together bread crumbs, zest, and remaining tablespoon oregano. Divide clams and pan juices among 8 shallow bowls, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately.
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 OREGANATO
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Coarsely chop shucked clams, and put in a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs, bell pepper, parsley, oregano, and salt. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and toss with a fork to combine.
- Stuff the reserved clamshells with the filling, and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle each clam with a little of the reserved clam juice, pouring any extra juice, along with the white wine, into the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the clams with 3 tablespoons olive oil, and drizzle the remaining tablespoon oil in the bottom of the pan with the juice and wine.
- Bake until clams are lightly browned and crusty, about 15 to 20 minutes. To serve, set clams on plates with remaining sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for each.
- notes
- Another option-one I like very much-is not to chop the clams.
- Shuck the clams, and leave each whole clam in a half-shell. Toss all the other ingredients separately, then cover the clams with a light coating of the mixture. Pat lightly, and continue as per recipe.
Tips:
- Use fresh clams: Fresh clams have a briny, sweet flavor and a tender texture. Make sure the clams are alive before cooking them. To check, tap them on the counter; they should close tightly.
- Purge the clams: Purging the clams removes any sand or grit from the shells. To do this, place the clams in a bowl of cold water with a tablespoon of salt. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and rinse them well.
- Use a large skillet: A large skillet will allow the clams to cook evenly. If you use a skillet that is too small, the clams will steam instead of sautéing.
- Sauté the clams briefly: Clams only need to be sautéed for a few minutes. Overcooking them will make them tough and chewy.
- Use a flavorful liquid: The liquid that you use to cook the clams will add flavor to the dish. You can use white wine, clam juice, or even chicken broth.
- Add herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can help to enhance the flavor of the clams. Some good options include oregano, thyme, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread: Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to clams. It can be used to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Conclusion:
Clams with oregano and bread crumbs is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. The briny, sweet flavor of the clams is perfectly complemented by the aromatic oregano and crispy bread crumbs. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love