by ChezSuzanne
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ChezSuzanne's Notes:
Expand1 dozen fresh clams (I used Littleneck) Ask a question about this ingredient
1 handful of pasta noodles, enough for 1 serving (linguine or spaghetti noodles works well here) Ask a question about this ingredient
1/3 of a large sausage link that has fennel and garlic in it (Each sausage link is around 1/3 pound at Whole Foods) Ask a question about this ingredient
5 large garlic cloves, minced Ask a question about this ingredient
1 jalapeno pepper (optional) Ask a question about this ingredient
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced Ask a question about this ingredient
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt Ask a question about this ingredient
1/8 teaspoon sugar Ask a question about this ingredient
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper, divided Ask a question about this ingredient
1/16 teaspoon red pepper flakes Ask a question about this ingredient
1/16-1/8 teaspoon dried oregano Ask a question about this ingredient
lemon Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, finely grated Ask a question about this ingredient
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, leaves only, coarsely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
Clean the clams of all grit and heat 2"of water to salted boiling in a wide pan. Put the clams in the hot water and cover. It should take about 5 minutes for them all to open. Immediately remove the clams from the pan, remove the clams from the shells, coarsely chop and set aside. Reserve shells for dish decoration. Reserve the clam broth in the pan.
Ask a question about this stepHeat a large pot of salted water to boiling. Cook the pasta according to the directions on its box.
Ask a question about this stepCook the sausage over medium - high heat and crumble. Set aside. If you plan to add the jalapeno pepper, place the whole jalapeno in a dry pan and roast over medium-high heat. Once the skin is mostly blackened, remove, pop into a small bag for 5 minutes. Peel, seed and dice. I tend to add various roasted peppers to a lot of things to bring a little heat to a dish and some smoky earthiness. But this dish works well without the jalapeno too.
Ask a question about this stepLightly salt the garlic and saute it in the rendered fat from the sausage. Add a little olive oil if needed. Once the garlic is just turning golden, add the diced roasted jalapeno pepper (if you're using it), diced tomatoes and a ladle-full of clam broth from the pot you cooked the clams in. I put in enough clam broth to create a very soupy sauce. Add the salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, oregano and half of the seasoned pepper, and cook until the clam broth has reduced by one third. Add the cooked sausage and clams. Toss around to rewarm, but not long enough to start cooking the clams again. Nothing is worse in this dish than rubbery overcooked clams. At the end I do a couple squeezes of lemon slices to balance the acid.
Ask a question about this stepWhen the pasta is cooked, I toss it lightly in olive oil, sprinkle some parmasan cheese and a little seasoned pepper on top of it and toss it again, but this step is optional. Then I pour the clams / sausage / tomato sauce over it. You can arrange the reserved shells on the dish for presentation. As a last touch, I sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley on top before sitting down to eat.
Ask a question about this stepServe with some crusty bread and a salad. You know, I might need to make this again tonight. I'm getting hungry for it again!
Ask a question about this stepThanks!! Of all the meals I made for myself last week while my husband traveled, this one was my favorite. Enjoy!
I love linguine con vongole, too, and like your idea of adding the fennel sausage. It sounds delicious.
Thanks so much!
Linguine con Vongole is one of my favorite, hard to resist on the menu, dishes as well! I'll have to try your rendition the next time I'm home alone.
Thanks - hope you enjoy it.
Yum, linguini and clams are one of earth's perfect meals. Love the idea of roasted peppers in there too ... this may just be my next home alone meal!!! Thanks!!!