Linguine With White Clam Sauce

A traditional version (*This recipe was originally posted by a former Zaar member.)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 28  littleneck clams, scrubbed
• 7  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2  small hot chili peppers, minced (can substitute red pepper flakes)
• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine
• 1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 -1 1⁄2 lb linguine
• 1  tablespoon salt
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring six quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon salt.
2. Open 24 of the clams over a bowl with a sieve to strain the clam liquid.
3. Save 4 clams for garnish.
4. Set the strained liquid aside and chop the clams into a mince.
5. Add the linguine to boiling water.
6. The clam sauce should take the same length of time to cook as the linguine.
7. Sauté minced garlic in the olive oil over high heat, being careful not to burn it.
8. Add the minced chilies.
9. Add the minced clams and sauté to heat through, then add the black pepper and white wine.
10. Now add the reserved clam liquid.
11. Open the last four clams without detaching the clams from their shells, and toss them into the sauce.
12. Add the parsley and basil.
13. Lower the heat to medium.
14. When the linguine is al dente, drain it and toss it with about half of the sauce.
15. Divide the pasta onto four plates, add the remaining sauce, and garnish each plate with one of the whole clams.