What is the charm of a legit Italian pasta dish such as our Spaghetti with Clams? Something with such simple ingredients holds such a special place in our hearts. We like to think it’s due to the atmosphere that Italian recipes create. For instance, there’s the romance of lightly seasoned clams tossed with olive oil, spaghetti, and black pepper. It activates all our senses and truly shows off our love in an edible form. Each ingredient speaks in a clear voice, and they all work together in perfect harmony.
An Ode to Venice Featuring our Spaghetti with Clams
Venice is nicknamed, La Serenissima, “the most peaceful,” and a romantic repast of classic seafood dishes reminds us why.
A summer evening. A peaceful spot on the beaches of Cavallino-Treporti, a little town just to the east of Venice. Barefoot dancing in the sand. The pearlescence of a late sunset. Fresh seafood prepared with the simplicity of flavor and technique characteristic of Venetian fare. A moment of relaxed laughter and togetherness.
While all of that sounds like a moment out of an Italian film with a happy, lighthearted ending, we can capture the same feeling here at home – except for the nearness of Venice, and sand between our toes. Get your family on board to clear the calendar of all distractions for a Saturday. Put the smartphones in a drawer. Shop for clams, scallops, baby octopus, salad fixings, garlic, and fresh pepperoncino. Run to your favorite bakery for a loaf of crusty bread. Find a bottle of crisp white wine from Veneto, Friuli, or Alto Adige.
Once you’re home again, search Spotify for their “La Dolce Vita” playlist. Put the wine in the fridge. Mix up a classic Spritz alla Veneta to sip while you cook with your loved ones. Toss together your favorite salad. Sit down to a candlelit table to enjoy the light touch of these classic dishes. Later, find a Fellini classic to stream, or watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith traipse through La Serenissima in a less-than-peaceful caper.
Through it all, thank the heavens we live in a world that has Venice in it.
Spaghetti with Clams
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A simple list of ingredients come to life with the right seasonings.
Ingredients
- 700 g fresh clams
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh pepperoncino, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 300 g spaghetti
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Soak the clams for about an hour in a bowl of water with a handful of coarse salt. Rinse well to be sure there is no sand or dirt, and drain.
- Combine extra-virgin olive oil in a hot skillet with chopped fresh pepperoncino, two cloves of garlic and the sprigs of thyme.
- When the oil begins to sizzle, add the clams, stir them, cover, and let them open for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes until very al dente, and drain.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the clams and sauté at high heat, stirring constantly until spaghetti are al dente and ready to eat.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of raw oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
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