A simple pasta dish that takes advantage of the sweet flavor of fresh clams, fresh herbs and garlic, and white wine. I love both the simplicity of the dish, and it’s light flavor. You simply can’t go wrong with fresh herbs, garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice to flavor a seafood dish. Elena, my two year old, has never had fresh clams before. After I finally convinced her to try a bite, she liked them so well she would have eaten them all if we let her!
It’s also perfect for a busy day dinner when paired with a green salad. I usually don’t do that many pasta nights, but have been as I have been busy these last few weeks.
As you may have noticed. I have a new look! I have switched over from blogspot to wordpress. My brother in law, Brett, very kindly helped me figure out what I was doing and also designed the header, as well as many other aspects of the site for me. My husband was also a big help in helping me learn the new system. Thanks Brett and Joel! Do you all like it? If you ever notice a link that’s not working, or find some other problem, please let me know! I would greatly appreciate it. Also make sure to check out the new tabs on the top of the page.
Joel has just finished his break from school and is starting back in today. We sent him off with sourdough pancakes. Elena and I will miss him! It also means that I need to get back on track with making lunches and snacks for him to take with him.
Meanwhile, I made this dish last night and it felt like a special meal for the last night of his break. Enjoy!
Fresh Herb and Clam Sauce, served over Pasta
Make sure that you ask how fresh the clams are. My store guarantees there clams for three days after they were bought. This amount of pasta could handle twice the amount of clams, if your budget allows, feel free to double the amount. If you would like to substitute dried herbs for fresh, add with the liquid in step three.
- 1 pound smaller hard shelled clams (cover with very cold water, then rinse several times, scrub if needed)
1/2 cup of minced shallot
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
several tablespoons olive oil or butter, or a mixture of both
1/2 cup of heaping Italian flat leaf parsley
1-2 tablespoons of fresh oregano
1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme
1/2 cup of clam juice
1/2 cup of white wine
Juice of half of a lemon
16 ounces of brown rice pasta, (or use 12 ounces for a more saucey dish).
1-Prepare salted water for cooking your pasta.
2-In a large saucepan with a lid, heat enough oil or oil/butter to cover the bottom of the pan, over med-high heat. Once hot, add shallots and a sprinkle of salt and cook, stirring as needed, until the shallots have softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two. (I usually start cooking my pasta about now)
3-Add wine and clam juice, and bring to a simmer. Add cleaned clams, bring to a low simmer and cover. Steam for about 4-6 minutes (stir once or twice in this process), until all of the clams have opened. Discard any that didn’t.
4-Toss with fresh herbs, and lemon juice. and pour over hot pasta. You can adjust flavors with more lemon juice, herbs or salt and pepper as needed or desired.
Enjoy!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks great, Kimi. I love the new look. I have been looking into/am in the process of moving over to wordpress.org myself. I also have looked at the thesis theme as I love the look of it and what appears to be the ease of use. I also love how customizable it appears to be.
How do you like it? I know it’s spendy up front, but do you think it’s worth it?
The clams look lovely as well, but I think I may be allergic to shell fish
. The last two times I have eaten it (out at restaurants) I have become sick. I’m not sure where you buy your brown rice pasta, but Trader Joe’s has a great price.
This looks phenomenal! Yay on clams! They are very nutrient dense!
Where do you buy them — do you get them fresh or frozen?
And when you say clam juice, do you mean from a can?
Ann Marie
Hi Shannon,
It has been very easy to work with. Definitely worth the money. We looked into having a free theme worked on just a bit, and that would cost more then the thesis theme! So, yes! I do think it’s worth it. Though, you may be able to find a free theme that fits your needs just as well. It just depends on what you are looking for.
Ooooh, to bad about the allergy to shell fish. That’s too bad.
TJ’s does have a great price on their pasta! I have been buying from them recently. 
Hi Cheeseslave,
I got mine fresh at my local health food/ specialty store, called New Seasons. They are similar to Whole Foods but 20 times nicer.
And yes, I did mean canned clam juice.
I love, love, love your site! Thanks for all the information and time you put into your blog to help, well, me! Your new site is very easy to use and I really enjoy the recipe index. I will be here often reading old posts since I am fairly new. So, if you see me on your site meter all the time, I am not stalking you but trying to catch up
new site looks great, but the crock pot chicken quinoa link isn’t working! not only do i want to make this again, but about i’m drafting a post on this recipe for my blog foodwithkidappeal, and want to link back to you!!
also your food photog is beautiful!!
Lauren,
Thanks so much for the comment! I appreciate it! That’s very encouraging. I am glad that it easy for you to use, as that’s what we were aiming for.
Jenna,
Thank you so much for letting me know. I will try to fix it right away. (I might have to have my husband help me though, later tonight). Thanks!
Update: I fixed it! Thanks by the way for the link! That’s always appreciated.
Oh my, I nearly had a HEART ATTACK the other day when I tried to visit and got a screen saying the blog was private! I was so relieved that next time I tried I was redirected to this beautiful blog! It looks great! I recently moved my cooking blog over to wordpress from blogger too, it has a more professional feel to it I find. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and just love it! I cook mostly NT too and I did a review after making your gingerbread muffins, VERY good!!
Thanks for sharing your recipes and all your hardwork. Now I see the additional benefits of your wonderful homecooking that I often smell at your house!!
Amanda,
Oh no! Sorry that happened to you. A few other people had some issues as well. i am hoping that everything is smoothed out now! So glad that you liked the gingerbread muffins, that’s good to hear.
Mia,
Thanks for visiting my site.! Joel must have given you my site address.
I just stumbled into the new world of nourishing traditions and I love you site! But yesterday and today, every time I try to access your fudge recipe, the link doesn’t work.
Koko’s mama,
Thanks for letting me know! I fixed it now.