Opie'S Clam Supreme
Opie'S Clam Supreme offers a comforting blend of tender eggplant, savory clams, and crispy Ritz cracker layers, perfect for seafood lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice the eggplants; add minced onion and salt.
- Boil until tender but not mushy; drain, mash, and add 2 tablespoons butter.
- Drain the canned minced clams, reserving the juice.
- Butter a casserole dish.
- Layer alternately eggplant slices, clams, and Ritz cracker crumbs, ending with a layer of crumbs.
- Mix the milk with the reserved clam juice; add salt to taste.
- Pour the clam juice mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Dot the top with 3 teaspoons of butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the eggplant mixture. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed saltine crackers or panko can work as substitutes. Be sure to watch the baking time closely, as oven temperatures can vary. Experimenting with different herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the flavor of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Opie's Clam Supreme pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside rice or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious clam juice. For a delightful appetizer, consider serving it with Shrimp Mold(Dip) to start your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Opie'S Clam Supreme contains roughly 394 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% 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 frozen eggplants instead of fresh?
While fresh eggplants yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen eggplants if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What can I substitute for clams?
If clams are unavailable, chopped cooked shrimp or crab meat can be used as a substitution. This will change the flavor profile slightly but will still create a delicious seafood dish.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you could omit the clams and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for protein. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to enhance the flavors, ensuring it's still satisfying and hearty.
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).