Spaghetti and Clams are traditional Italian comfort food - it is the kind of meal I grew up on. Tossed together with fresh tomato sauce and some grated cheese, this no-fuss classic is the definition of simple elegance.
This is a simple, rustic and enjoyable spaghetti dish. There are so many ways to prepare spaghetti with clam sauce and I think I will try all of them for all of you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this meal and yes, as so many meals do it brought back memories of my youth. My father loved fishing and clamming and I loved tagging along as his "fishing buddy". He found such pleasure in simply casting a line, enjoying a sandwich and a cup of coffee. There is something about the salt air combined with a cup of coffee from a thermos and a simple sandwich. You really find the simple joy of life.
We would bring our catch home; that is if we caught anything…and my mom would create a memorable, yet simple dish that today would be considered "gourmet" fare.
My mother's cooking simply was the very best. She never wrote anything down and rarely ever used a recipe, so I have to remember a meal by the taste and try to replicate the dish by the flavors I remember in my mind. I don't quite have this one down as I remember but I will try again to bring the flavors I remember to life.
PrintSpaghetti and Clams with Fresh Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of fresh clams in their water
- 5 plum tomatoes - diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh Italian parsley - chopped
- 2 stalks of celery - chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic - chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 3 tbs. olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- Parmesan or Romano cheese for grating
- 1 lb. of your favorite spaghetti
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron frying pan with the olive oil; add the diced tomatoes, garlic, celery and parsley.
- Simmer on low until the garlic is fragrant; then with a potato masher, gently mash the tomatoes; add the seasonings and the clams with their water; gently simmer on low while preparing the spaghetti.
- Drain the spaghetti and add the to the clam sauce; add a drizzle of olive oil, extra red pepper flakes, dried oregano, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice and grated cheese.
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Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo








JC says
No fresh clams here but I was looking for new ideas for the tins of smoked clams I buy that also used up some of my tomatoes and I think this is just the ticket. Off to the kitchen I go!
All that's Jas says
They say flavors and scent bring out memories, and yours are worth sharing. Thanks for linking up at Thursday Favorite Things, please visit us again next week!
Laura@ Baking in Pyjamas says
What a delicious looking dish and full of such fresh flavours. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
April J Harris says
I love creating recipe from family food memories! Your Spaghetti with Clams and Fresh Tomato Sauce sounds wonderful, Catherine!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Looks like a yummy alternative to white clam sauce! Pinning! Thanks for linking up to Best of the Weekend, Catherine!