Grandma Bee'S Red Clam Sauce
A rich, savory red clam sauce bursting with tomato, herbs, and clam flavors, perfect for seafood lovers and ideal over fresh pasta with crusty French bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 large cans whole plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 small cans clams ⓘ
- 1 bottle clam juice ⓘ
- 3 sticks celery ⓘ
- 1 small/medium onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Finely chop all tomatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Sauté garlic, onion, and celery until tender, avoiding browning.
- Add chopped plum tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, clam juice, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and softened sun-dried tomatoes. Dice sun-dried tomatoes finely beforehand.
- Simmer all ingredients for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Add clams and chopped parsley.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately over fresh pasta with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade clam stock instead of bottled clam juice. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the red pepper flakes or substitute with sweet paprika. Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned, but you'll need to adjust cooking times. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables. This sauce pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Pasta With Fresh Asparagus And Scallops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty red clam sauce over your favorite pasta, such as linguini or fettuccine. Accompany with crusty French bread for dipping and a fresh side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the dish further. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it with a glass of dry red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover clam sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the clams from becoming rubbery. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or clam juice to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Bee'S Red Clam Sauce contains roughly 420 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 629mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh clams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh clams for a more authentic flavor. Just ensure they are cleaned and steamed until they open, then add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the clams and clam juice. Substitute with vegetable broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for depth. The sun-dried tomatoes will still provide a rich flavor.
Can I freeze the clam sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the clam sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
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).