According to legend, Clams Casino originated at Narragansett Pier Casino in Rhode Island during 1917. This New England appetizer consists of clams served on the half-shell. Spreading out from New England, the baked shellfish preparation also became popular in Louisiana, where it is made with oysters rather than clams. Clams Casino is also embraced in Italian American cuisine, particularly in Manhattan's Little Italy neighborhood, and it is often served at Italian festivals and holiday meals in the United States.
Recipe Servings: 6
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 oz sliced pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped shallots
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 4 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 18 medium littleneck clams, shucked, bottom shells reserved
Directions
- Pour oil into a large, heavy skillet set over medium heat.
- Sauté the pancetta or bacon for about 3 minutes, until crisp.
- Transfer the crisped meat to a plate using a slotted spoon.
- In the same skillet, sauté the bell pepper, shallots, garlic, and oregano for about 5 minutes, until the shallots are tender and translucent.
- Add the wine and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to almost completely evaporate.
- Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to completely cool.
- Add the meat and 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese to the cooled vegetable mixture in the skillet, and stir to combine.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F. Line a heavy large baking sheet with foil and arrange the clams in their shells.
- Heap evenly divided portions of the meat and vegetable mixture over the clams with a spoon.
- Sprinkle all with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and bake for about 10 minutes, until the clams are cooked through and the cheese topping is golden-brown.
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