Portuguese Clam Stew With Garlic Croutons
A hearty Portuguese clam stew infused with chorizo, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 c. quartered new potatoes, cooked ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. chorizo sausage (about 4 links, each cut into 3 to 4 slices) ⓘ
- 2/3 c. chopped onion
- 1/4 c. chopped cilantro
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced shallots ⓘ
- 2 c. potatoes, medium-dice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 4 c. shrimp stock
- 4 doz. littleneck clams, scrubbed ⓘ
- 1 c. peeled, seeded and chopped Italian plum tomatoes
- 1/2 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Essence ⓘ
- 3/4 c. roasted garlic aioli ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a saut pan, heat the olive oil over high heat.
- Add the chorizo and brown for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, minced shallots, cooked quartered potatoes, salt, crushed red peppers, black pepper, and shrimp stock to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the littleneck clams, chopped Italian plum tomatoes, chopped green onions, and Essence to the pan.
- Cover the saut pan and cook over high heat until all the clams are open, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve with roasted garlic aioli.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade shrimp stock instead of store-bought. If chorizo is unavailable, spicy Italian sausage can be a great substitute. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro if preferred. Adjust salt based on the saltiness of your stock and chorizo. To enhance the garlic flavor, serve with extra roasted garlic aioli on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this clam stew with crusty bread for dipping to soak up the delicious broth. A side of mixed greens or a light salad complements the dish well. This stew pairs beautifully with Smoked Salmon Canapes for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the clams and affect their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Clam Stew With Garlic Croutons contains roughly 1359 calories, with 50g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (262% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2966mg per serving (129% 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 clams for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen clams. Make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the stew. However, fresh clams are preferred for the best texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen clams may take longer to open.
What if I can’t find littleneck clams?
If littleneck clams are unavailable, you can use other types of clams such as Manila or cherrystone clams. Just ensure they are fresh and properly cleaned. Alternatively, you can substitute with shrimp for a different seafood profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also include a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onion and garlic for an extra kick.
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).