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Littleneck Clams With Chorizo & Spicy Tomato Gazpacho

Clams With Chorizo

It’s clear that in the South the weather has no idea how to behave or what to dress for right now. It’s ok. I can make pretend for a couple days that this is a prolonged Indian summer just as well as being able to put on a turtleneck or a scarf. I’m always in love with this time of the year especially where I reside now. The colors of Autumn, the brisk change in the air and everyone’s behavior to keep cozy is something I truly relish.

The South can be surprising though and after almost 18 years here, I still find myself oscillating. One November day can be in the high 70s and the next can dip to the low 40s. Which is why I rarely rely on the temperatures to cook the seasonal foods I love. I could be waiting a long time to make a hearty pot roast and would never stop making cold soups or ice creams… 

Thus, it’s not uncommon for us to have a warm and hearty dish such as these Littleneck Clams With Chorizo and Potatoes one evening and a refreshingly cold Spicy Tomato Gazpacho with a couple of boiled eggs for a light Saturday lunch within the same week.

Gazpacho  With Fava Bean Asparagus Salad

The South may seem to have its own slower pace but don’t be fooled, we’re quick to adapt our cooking repertoire when necessary. Just like we keep flip flops and sweaters very close to one another….

Littleneck Clams With Chorizo & Potatoes (adapted from Bon Appetit)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 ounces chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1/2 pound small redskins potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup dry white wine

3 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed of any dirt

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat (cast iron works great).
Add chorizo and cook, stirring often, until chorizo begins to crisp, about 4 minutes.
Add the potatoes and garlic.

Cook, tossing often, until potatoes are just about tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Add 1 cup of water and continue to cook until potatoes are just tender, 5-8 minutes longer.
Add the clams, cover the pot, and cook, undisturbed, until the clams have opened (10 minutes) (discard any clams that do not open).
Divide among bowls and enjoy!

P.S: have some nice thick rustic bread slices to sop up all the juices.

Spicy Tomato Gazpacho:

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cucumber seeded, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped

1 small onion, peeled and quartered

1 4-oz can mild hatch green chiles (sub regular green chiles if not available)

1 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and stemmed

2 garlic cloves, halved

salt and pepper to taste

In a large blender or food processor (I have this one now that I can’t live without!), or working in batches, process all the ingredients, except for the salt and pepper, until you get a coarse puree. Use the pulse button on your machine so you have more control of the texture.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Chill for at least half a day before serving.

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Comments


The Experimental Cook November 15, 2014 um 8:55 am

Never knew these are Littleneck clams. Over in Singapore, we call it La La and fry it with a concoction of ground chilli, onion, candlenut and garlic on special seafood nights.


Marta November 15, 2014 um 9:49 am

I will try this combinación of littleneck clams with chorizo! It is something different. Normally we would cook them only with potatoes and some vegetables or even with white beans. But I'm sure they are delicious also in this way. Thank you for the recipe!


Liz @ FloatingKitchen November 15, 2014 um 1:47 pm

New England is the same way…always confused about the weather this time of year. Three days ago I was wearing flip flops and enjoying a beer outside. And today it's 30 degrees and there is ice on the roads. It's a lesson in preparedness I suppose. Love these recipes, Helene!


angela@spinachtiger November 15, 2014 um 1:55 pm

I know I live in Nashville and one day I want to make ice cream and the next day hot soup to match the weather.


Tania@ MyKitchen Stories November 15, 2014 um 11:34 pm

I am not sure of the weather but what I do know is that chorizo and clams would suit any climate and make me happy


Hung Quach @ Jet and Indigo November 17, 2014 um 1:51 pm

What a brilliant idea, would never have thought of this combination. Thank you, will give it a try!


Rocky Mountain Woman November 17, 2014 um 4:08 pm

I have a friend who would love this! I'm going to have to make it for him next time he visits…


Eliza January 2, 2015 um 1:19 pm

Great salad, we must try it today 🙂 Thanks. Eliza


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