Linguini with Clams and Beer
Author: Nicole
Ingredients
  • 1 pound dried linguini
  • 2 bacon strips, finely chopped
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 4 dozen littleneck clams, cleaned and scrubbed
  • ⅔ cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1-3/4 cups lager-style beer (such as Grolsch or Heineken)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. In a large, deep skillet, braising pan or Dutch oven (something you can cover) set over medium heat, add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the shallot and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the tomatoes with juices and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add the clams in an even layer.
  7. Pour in the beer.
  8. Cover the pan and steam until the clams begin to open, 8 to 10 minutes. You may need to increase the heat to medium-high for a few minutes, then bring it back to medium.
  9. Once you have covered the clams, add the linguini to the pot of boiling water. Cook according to the instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain through a colander and set aside.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and add the butter, sherry vinegar and basil. Stir to incorporate and once the butter is melted, add the cooked linguini and gently toss with the clams and sauce.
  11. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.
Notes
* You can also serve these clams without the linguini - just be sure to have a good loaf of bread to soak up the broth.
* Don't want to buy a whole package of bacon? See if the deli at your grocery store has bacon that you can get sliced. If this is the case, ask them to slice it on the thicker side.
* A reminder to not eat any clams that haven't fully opened.
Recipe by Riegl Palate at https://www.rieglpalate.com/linguini-with-clams-and-beer/