When it comes to classic New England comfort food, nothing beats a hearty and flavorful clam pie. This iconic dish features a flaky crust filled with tender clams, savory vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to explore the world of clam pies, with two delicious recipes that showcase the best of this beloved dish.
Our first recipe is a traditional Down East Clam Pie, a Maine specialty that embodies the essence of coastal cuisine. This pie features a golden-brown crust made from scratch, filled with a generous helping of fresh clams, diced potatoes, onions, and celery, all swimming in a rich and creamy broth. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to the shores of Maine with every bite.
Our second recipe introduces a unique twist on the classic clam pie: the Rhode Island Clam Pie. This version features a crispy, cracker-like crust, made with saltine crackers, that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. Inside, you'll find a delectable combination of chopped clams, bacon, onions, and bell peppers, bound together by a velvety white sauce. The result is a pie that is both comforting and sophisticated, sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Whether you prefer the traditional Down East Clam Pie or the innovative Rhode Island Clam Pie, you're in for a treat. These recipes offer a taste of New England's rich culinary heritage, and are guaranteed to become favorites in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on this culinary adventure together!
NEW ENGLAND CLAM PIE
If you love creamy New England style clam chowder, you will love this recipe. It works best with my mother's homemade pie crust recipe, but I sometimes use store bought pie shells for convenience. This pie is excellent as a left over, IF there's any left!
Provided by Kaya1245
Categories Savory Pies
Time 1h45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place clam juice, potatoes, carrots, and onion in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes.
- Add clams and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix flour with light cream or milk (heavy cream will make the mixture too thick), and stir into the clam mixture.
- Bring to boil, stirring until the mixture thickens, remove from heat. Let mixture cool.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and prepare 1 pie shell in baking dish. Pour cooled mixture into the shell, and cover with the remaining shell, sealing the edges and poking airholes in the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 400, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook about 30 minutes longer, until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool in order to let the filling set.
CAPE COD CLAM PIE
When we lived in Massachusetts my mom would make these pies and we would take them to the beach as picnic food. I don't have the access to fresh little neck clams any longer, but I still make clam pie only now I use canned clams.
Provided by Marsha Gardner
Categories Seafood
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375-degrees.
- 2. Sprinkle the clams, onion, potato and bacon over the bottom of the pie shells. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, cream and poultry seasoning. Pour this mixture over the clams.
- 3. Top with second crust. Make slits for steam to escape.
- 4. Bake 45-55 minutes, until set and lightly browned. Serve hot or cold.
PHILADELPHIA CLAM PIES
Steps:
- Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch dice.
- Heat butter and bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then add onion, garlic, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is pale golden, about 5 minutes. Add bay leaf, thyme, clove, carrots, celery, and potatoes and reduce heat to moderate, then cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are golden and almost tender, about 15 minutes (be careful not to let them burn). Add wine, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir together clam juice and cornstarch. Add to vegetables in skillet and bring to a simmer. Cover skillet and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove lid and stir in clams with their liquor. Bring to a simmer and cook 1 minute, then remove from heat and cool to warm, uncovered. Discard bay leaf and clove.
- Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
- Roll out 1 pastry sheet into a 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin. Cut out 3 squares of pastry that are at least 1 inch larger all around than tops of soup bowls. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet.
- Divide clam filling among soup bowls (leaving at least a 3/4-inch space between surface of filling and tops of bowls). Brush 1 pastry square with egg and cover 1 bowl with it, egg side down, pressing edges of pastry firmly onto outside of bowl. Repeat with remaining squares of pastry and bowls. Brush tops of pastry with remaining egg.
- Bake pies in bowls in a large shallow baking pan until pastry is golden and puffed, about 20 minutes.
CLASSIC CLAM DIP
Clam dip has been around the party scene for a long time. This classic recipe is used by many American cooks at many different types of gatherings.
Provided by Miss Annie
Categories Cheese
Time 5m
Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients plus 4 tablespoons of the reserved clam juice in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Put mixture in a serving bowl and chill.
- Serve with potato chips, crackers, or small pieces of raw vegetables.
CLAM PIE
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h
Yield 2 pies, 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Sprinkle the clams, onion, potato and bacon over the bottom of the pie shells. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, cream and poultry seasoning. Pour this mixture over the clams.
- Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until set and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 408, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 566 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh clams. Fresh clams have a briny, sweet flavor that is essential for a great clam pie. If you can't find fresh clams, frozen clams are a good substitute.
- Soak the clams in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to remove any grit or sand from the clams.
- Cook the clams in a flavorful broth. The broth will add flavor to the clams and the pie.
- Use a good quality pie crust. A good pie crust will make your clam pie extra delicious. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own.
- Don't overcook the clams. Overcooked clams will be tough and chewy. Cook the clams just until they are opaque.
- Serve the clam pie hot. Clam pie is best served hot out of the oven. You can also serve it cold, but it is not as good.
Conclusion:
Down East clam pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual meal. With its creamy, flavorful filling and flaky crust, clam pie is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give Down East clam pie a try. You won't be disappointed!
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