Description
Clam Acqua Pazza is a traditional Italian seafood dish featuring tender littleneck clams simmered in a fragrant broth of olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock. This light and flavorful stew is perfect served with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, offering a delightful and easy-to-make main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
Broth & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup fish stock or water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add and Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and burst, releasing their juices into the pan.
- Simmer with Wine and Stock: Pour in the dry white wine and fish stock (or water). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the alcohol to cook off.
- Cook Clams: Add the scrubbed littleneck clams to the skillet and immediately cover it with a lid. Let the clams steam for 6 to 8 minutes until they open. Shake the skillet occasionally to redistribute the broth. Discard any clams that remain closed.
- Season and Garnish: Season the clam stew with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the Clam Acqua Pazza immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth or enjoy over pasta for a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Use only fresh, live clams to ensure quality and safety.
- You can substitute mussels for clams or add white fish fillets for variety.
- Serve with grilled bread or linguine to make the dish heartier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
