Clams in Spicy Salame Sauce

Last Saturday, while I was waiting for the Italian Folk to get kids dressed, adults fed and beds made,before going shopping, I came across a gorgeous Recipe by the adorable Claudia from the Journey of an Italian Cook.
I couldn't stop drooling! The recipe sounded amazing so I told the Italian Folk that I just had to have clams as soon as possible.



Off we went to the huge supermarket.
I love supermarkets in Italy, not only because they have such an enormous variety of fresh food (there is only one aisle for frozen food, while in the UK, the frozen food section usually takes up almost half of the supermarket) but because the people who work at the fresh fish and meat counter, really are experts in the field.

What I love even more is that they always, and I  mean always, give you a recipe and suggest the best cooking method for that particular animal. I've come away with so many cooking tips, you wouldn't believe it!

Anyway, I'm sorry, I do digress.
So out of this shopping trip I got three wonderful rewards. A recipe for Fish baked in Salt, a compliment on my good Italian (she was a lovely fishmonger lol) and some juicy fresh clams.

I couldn't wait to get home and make them in Claudia's wonderful sauce.

Picture the scene.
My clams are resting nicely in salted water. My onions and garlic chopped.
I sit in front of my laptop, ready to take notes on the recipe when...shock, horror!
I forgot to save the link! And since it was not on her blog, there was no way I could trace it.
I googled it, believe me, many times.

What was I to do, not only did I crave clams madly, but the Italian folk had grown quite fond of the idea too, so I couldnt let them down.

Then I remembered that in Portugal they make Clams in a juicy Chorizo sauce.
Eureka, I had some gorgeous spicy salami in the fridge and that would do the trick.

I cant begin to tell you how much the Italian folk loved it, especially the kids. I was particularly impressed with I loveflavour Jr.. He had seconds, thirds, fourths (?), well you get the  idea!

So, in the end, I got two recipes. Claudia kindly re-sent me the link and I have saved it, believe me, and this one!
I do recommend you try both, they really are worth it.

CLAMS IN SPICY SALAME SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

A good chunk of butter *about 150gs

1 tbsp of Extra virgin Olive Oil

1 KG of fresh clams

6 slices of spicy salame sausage

1 large cup of white wine

1 tbsp of tomato paste

half a large chopped onion

2 large minced cloves of garlic

Chopped parsely

METHOD

Pre soak your clams for 30  to 45 minutes in slightly salted water. It gets rid of any grit.
Melt  the butter in the olive oil.

Chop 3 slices of salame and fry them on a low heat for 2 minutes.

Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent.

Add the tomato paste and white wine.

At this point the steam from the wine was unbelievable so I coudn't take any pictures... How to deal with that?? Suggestions are most welcomed!'

Allow the alcohol  to evaporate and add your clams and the remaining sliced salame.

Mix it all well together.

Cover and let them steam in the juices for 10 to 15 minutes or they have all opened.

Make sure you stir from time to time.

Once cooked, add your chopped parsley and serve in large bowlfuls with some ciabatta, or fresh bread of your choice, to dip in the sauce.

 

So there you go. Thank you Claudia so much for the inspiration. Next time I will be making your yummy version!

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