don peppe baked clams recipe

Natasha willow

3 min read

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28-12-2024

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Don Peppe's, a legendary seafood restaurant, is renowned for its incredible baked clams. This recipe recreates the magic of their iconic dish, bringing the restaurant experience to your kitchen. Get ready to savor the perfect blend of briny clams, garlicky butter, and a touch of bright acidity.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities based on your needs.

• Clams: 3 pounds littleneck clams, scrubbed thoroughly and purged (see instructions below)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• White Wine: 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Bread Crumbs: 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, for a touch of heat)

Preparing the Clams: Purging and Cleaning

Properly purging clams is crucial for a delicious and safe dish.

1. Soak: Place the clams in a large bowl filled with cold, salted water (about 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water). Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps them purge sand and grit.

2. Scrub: Scrub each clam thoroughly under cold running water using a stiff brush to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Discard any clams that are open and don't close when tapped.

3. Rinse: Rinse the clams one last time under cold water before proceeding with the recipe.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.

4. Combine Breadcrumbs & Cheese: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

5. Assemble: Arrange the scrubbed clams in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic-wine sauce evenly over the clams. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the sauce. Drizzle with olive oil.

6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the clams have opened and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Discard any clams that remain closed after baking.

7. Serve Immediately: Serve the baked clams hot, straight from the oven. A simple side salad complements this dish perfectly.

Tips for Don Peppe-Style Perfection:

• Freshness is Key: Use the freshest clams you can find. Their flavor significantly impacts the final dish.
• Don't Overcrowd: Ensure there's enough space between the clams in the baking dish for even cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding it to the clams and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Garlic Lover's Tip: For an extra garlicky kick, add a few more cloves of minced garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen clams?

A: While fresh clams are ideal, you can use frozen clams. Ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained before using them in the recipe.

Q: What type of bread crumbs are best?

A: Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their light and crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will also work.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: It's best to bake the clams just before serving, as they are most delicious when hot and fresh.

This recipe captures the essence of Don Peppe's famous baked clams. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the satisfying experience of recreating this restaurant classic at home! Remember to share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family. Buon appetito!