A main course that is always popular and ranges from informal gatherings with friends to informal dinners or holiday lunches is my clam risotto. Savory and delicate, it’s ideal for a seafood dinner where you want to impress with a few simple moves. Ready to start? I’ll see you in the kitchen and on my Facebook page HERE
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups Vialone Nano rice
- 2.2 lbs clams
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 chili pepper
- 1 glass dry white wine
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 knob butter
Tools
- 2 Saucepans
Clam Risotto Preparation
First, clean the clams: discard any broken or already opened ones, tap each clam on the cutting board so that some sand comes out. Place in a container, cover with water, add three tablespoons of fine salt, and let soak for 2 hours. Rinse under running water and repeat until there are no more sandy residues.
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, add the garlic clove in its skin and the fresh chili pepper, sliced and seeded. Pour in the clams, cover the pan with a lid, and cook over high heat until the clams have opened.
Discard any shellfish that have not opened, shell the clams, and strain the cooking water through a fine sieve and set aside. Keep a few clams in the shell to decorate the dish.
Place the chopped shallot in the saucepan with a drizzle of oil, add the rice, and toast for two minutes over high heat, stirring frequently. Toasting the rice is fundamental in preparing a perfect risotto, as it keeps the grain compact, gradually releasing starch during cooking for a creamy result. Add the white wine and let it evaporate. Add the filtered shellfish cooking water (strictly boiling) as it is absorbed, for about 17-18 minutes.
Now that the risotto is ready, season with salt and pepper if needed, and stir in a knob of butter. Let the risotto rest for a minute, then add the shellfish with some freshly chopped parsley, mix thoroughly, and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal! And if you like, follow my Instagram profile HERE
