Curried Steamed Clams (Teesryo)

Found on alleasyrecipes.com. Posted for ZWT8-India.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 48 clams

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil
• 1  tablespoon  scraped. finely chopped  fresh gingerroot
• 2  large onions, peeled, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced lengthwise into paper-thin slivers
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons ground coriander
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons turmeric
• 4  dozen  small hard-shelled clams, scrubbed
• 1  fresh coconut, shelled, peeled and coarsely grated
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon  finely chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a heavy 10-12 inch skillet, heat the oil over moderate heat until a light haze forms above it. Add the ginger and stir for a minute, then drop in the onions. Stirring constantly, fry for 7-8 minutes, until they are soft and golden brown. Watch carefully for any signs of burning and regulate the heat accordingly.
2. Stir in the salt and ground coriander, cook for a minute or so, then stir in turmeric. When the mixture is well blended, add the clams, turning them about with a spoon to coat them evenly. Cover the skillet tightly, reduce the heat to low, and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the clams open.
3. Immediately transfer the entire contents of the skillet to a deep heated platter. Scatter the coconut over the clams and sprinkle them with lemon juice, fresh coriander and red pepper.
4. Serve at once.