Il Cucinologo
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Spaghetti with Clams and Shrimp

17/11/2023

Spaghetti with clams and shrimp are a delicious seafood first course that is relatively simple to prepare. Let’s look together at the ingredients and steps to create this dish.

Ingredients

  • 320 g di spaghetti
  • 200 g di arselle (vongole veraci)
  • 200 g di gamberetti
  • 1 spicchio d’aglio
  • Un mazzetto di prezzemolo fresco
  • 100 ml di vino bianco secco
  • 4 cucchiai di olio extravergine di oliva
  • Peperoncino q.b. (facoltativo)
  • Sale q.b.

Preparation

  1. To start, place the arselle in a bowl with salted water for at least an hour to purge any remaining sand.

  2. Meanwhile, clean the shrimp by removing the heads, shells, and intestinal veins. Wash and finely chop the parsley.

  3. Rinse the arselle under running water and place them in a large pan with a drizzle of oil and a clove of garlic. Cook over high heat with the lid on until they open. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.

  4. Strain the liquid released by the arselle and set it aside. Remove the empty shells from the arselle and set aside the full ones.

  5. In another pan, heat the remaining oil with a bit of chili pepper (if desired) and another finely chopped clove of garlic. Add the shrimp and sauté for a few minutes.

  6. Add the arselle with their strained liquid and let the flavors meld for a few minutes. Adjust the salt if necessary.

  7. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water according to the package instructions for the desired doneness (al dente is ideal).

  8. Drain the pasta directly into the pan with the clam and shrimp sauce, adding a ladle of cooking water if needed to bind the sauce well.

  9. Add the chopped parsley and toss for a minute so the spaghetti absorbs the flavors.

  10. Plate the spaghetti while hot and garnish with a few clams in their shells for an elegant touch.

Trivia

Le arselle, also known as vongole veraci, are a highly prized ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in coastal regions. Their harvesting requires special techniques and they are known for their delicate yet bold flavor, which pairs perfectly with pasta and seafood such as shrimp.