We are getting ready to make our big RV trek across the country so I was in Costco yesterday (where else?) to pick up some ready-made meals that we can just heat and eat on the road. Well, it struck me that we still have a few days in town so I needed some fresh rations as well. Just my luck, they had the big seafood extravaganza going on and I eyed some good looking live clams. While they were being wrapped and weighed, I remembered Len likes "chopped" clams in his linguine and clam sauce--mainy for texture, so I also picked up a pound of those great Mexican shrimp, that I decided I would mince for the sauce. (Almost hated to mince them they were so beautiful, but glad I did.)
This was the best clam sauce and some of the best clams we've ever had. I took a look at the tag on the netting and saw they were Manila Clams from Canada, of all places. I found that a little odd, but would definitely buy them again.
For the sauce (and I'm writing this as much for myself for future reference as for you guys...), I sauteed 1/4 of a finely chopped onion in some extra virgin olive oil, as soon it started to sizzle I added the whole clams, about 1/2 cup of Chardonnay and two very large minced garlic cloves. I covered and steamed until the clams just started to open, then added the pound of minced shrimp, about 2 TBSPs butter, and 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley. When the shrimp were opaque, I stirred gently and poured the whole mess on top of a bowl of hot al dente linguine. The clams and resulting broth or "sauce" were almost sweet. I hope we meet up with these clams again soon.
Has anyone else had these?