Steamed Clams or Mussels

love4culinary's Note:

Easy and Delicious.

• Total Time: 23 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 13 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic , chopped
• ½ cup basil , chopped
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 lbs fresh clams or 4 lbs mussels
• fresh ground black pepper , to taste
• fresh basil , enough to garnish

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot, heat your oil very hot.
2. Add the garlic and saute quickly for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped basil, wine, broth, butter and bring to a boil.
4. Then add clams or mussels, cover with a lid, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Remove lid, and stir well.
6. Replace lid and continue cooking til open.
7. With slotted spoon, remove clams/mussels and distribute them into 4 pasta bowls.
8. Season broth with salt and pepper, and pour hot broth over clams/mussels.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Reviews

[Tamingtheshrew]

The guy I am dating is a seafood junkie. When we go out to dinner, we always order the mussle appitizer and share it. So the other night I made this for dinner as our appitizer. Was he impressed! This was even better than our usual. I took one reviewers suggestion and did use clam stock instead of veggie broth. I've tried a few others test but this will be our keeper. thx so much for sharing!

[Desert Mojo]

We made this last night using live clams, fresh garlic, fresh basil, Chardonnay and some nice bread for dipping. Followed the recipe pretty much as is except I added a little extra garlic. The wife and I thought the flavors were fantastic, and we thoroughly enjoyed every last bite. This dish is a keeper, and we look forward to preparing it again!! Thanks for sharing!

[OliveLover]

I've steamed both clams and mussels many times over the years. The base I use is pretty much this recipe, without the basil. This first time I added itto the mix. It really didn't work for us. Granted, I couldn't find fresh basil, so used the dry. I might do this again if I can get fresh basil, although it doesn't seem pressing.