CLAMS****Clams Casino

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23/05/15 - Very good for both and mostly make ahead for me, which is always a bonus. Something to make when you have nothing on hand but want something a little fancier.

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  • 3

Ingredients

  • 1 can Clover Leaf baby clams, drained
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 ounce finely minced pancetta
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (mixed colours)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced celery
  • 1 finely chopped shallot
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme, optional, if on hand
  • pinch of cayenne pepper (easy if using hot pancetta)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (easy on the salt)
  • pinch of dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine or vermouth
  • juice of 2 or 3 wedges of lemon
  • 8 tablespoons coarse fresh breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 tablespoonS (15 grams) grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 45 grams 4 Cheese Italian Blend lite
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • grated zest of one lemon
  • 3 slices microwave bacon, sliced crosswise into thin strips
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta in the olive oil until it releases its fat and just starts to crisp. Add the pepper, celery, garlic, shallot and the thyme sprig and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine the breadcrumbs with the cheeses, parsley, lemon zest and bacon; drizzle with the olive oil, toss to combine and set aside.

Just before cooking, remove the thyme sprig, drain the clams and add them to the onion pancetta mixture, along with a squeeze or two of lemon juice and gently combine. Spoon into greased individual dishes or clamshell dishes; place on baking sheet and top with the breadcrumb mixture and sprinkle with a bit of paprika, if desired.

Bake at 375 for 30 minutes, covering loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts
3 Servings

Calories 269.6
Total Fat 14.9 g
Saturated Fat 5.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.2 g
Cholesterol 69.6 mg
Sodium 706.2 mg
Potassium 80.0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12.8 g
Dietary Fiber 1.1 g
Sugars 1.8 g
Protein 21.4 g

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