Clams In Spicy Tomato Sauce
A flavorful seafood dish featuring tender littleneck clams in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce, perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until the onion is wilted.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, dry white wine, minced parsley, dried crushed chili peppers, and freshly ground pepper.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes to develop the sauce flavors.
- Add the cleaned littleneck clams to the pot.
- Cover and cook until the clams open, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve as an appetizer or over linguini as a main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of saffron or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. If you don't have dry white wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be a great substitute. Be cautious with the chili peppers; adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. Make sure the clams are fresh and tightly closed before cooking. If any clams remain closed after cooking, discard them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the clams in spicy tomato sauce as a delightful appetizer or over cooked linguini for a hearty main dish. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors. This dish also complements other seafood recipes like Stuffed Calamari or Shrimp Provencal Style for a full seafood feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the clams and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the clams rubbery. Serve with fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce if you have any left.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clams In Spicy Tomato Sauce contains roughly 4525 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 502g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen clams for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen clams, but thaw them completely and rinse well before cooking. Fresh clams are preferable for the best texture and flavor, but frozen ones can be a convenient alternative if fresh clams are unavailable.
What can I serve with clams in spicy tomato sauce?
Clams in spicy tomato sauce pair wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of linguini for a filling meal. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad can also complement the dish nicely.
How do I know when the clams are cooked properly?
Clams are cooked properly when their shells have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking, as they may not be safe to eat. The cooking time of 5-7 minutes is usually sufficient for littleneck clams.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).