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Clams Oreganata Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

Clams Oreganata is a flavorful Italian seafood dish featuring fresh little neck clams steamed in a fragrant broth of garlic, oregano, white wine, and lemon juice, topped with crispy toasted Italian breadcrumbs. This simple yet elegant recipe delivers a perfect balance of briny, zesty, and herbal notes, making it an excellent appetizer or light main course served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Clams:

  • 2 dozen little neck clams
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (not cooking wine)
  • ½ – 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (use 1 cup for extra sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

For the Toasted Breadcrumbs:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Clean the Clams: Scrub the clams thoroughly using a brush or clean sponge, then rinse them well under cold water to remove any sand or grit.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Oregano: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (avoid using nonstick pans to prevent scratching). Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned but not burnt. Stir in fresh oregano leaves and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Liquids and Clams: Stir in black pepper, dry white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well, then add the cleaned clams. Bring the liquid to a boil, cover tightly with a lid, and steam the clams for 5-7 minutes until all have opened. Discard any clams that remain closed.
  4. Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a clean smaller pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian breadcrumbs and dried oregano, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs become toasted and lightly browned. Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Spoon about ½ to 1 teaspoon of toasted breadcrumbs onto each opened clam. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the clams generously. Serve immediately alongside warm toasted baguette or preferred bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh little neck clams for the best flavor and texture.
  • Ensure all clams open during steaming; discard any unopened to avoid food safety issues.
  • Do not burn the garlic as it will impart bitterness to the dish.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy topping and fresh flavors.
  • Pair with a dry white wine that complements the dish’s seafood and herbal notes.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.

Keywords: Clams Oreganata, Italian clams recipe, seafood appetizer, little neck clams, garlic clams, toasted breadcrumbs, Italian seafood, easy clam recipe

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/clams-oreganata-recipe/