CHIPOTLE LIME BRAISED CLAMS

These chipotle lime braised clams are cooked in a spicy chipotle broth and topped with lots of lime juice and served with garlic buttery bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

CHIPOTLE-LIME CLAMS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion peeled and minced

• 6 garlic cloves peeled and minced

• 3/4 cup white wine

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 chipotles in adobo minced

• 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 ears corn kernels removed

• Kosher salt

• 2 limes juiced

• 1 pound 1 pound little neck clams scrubbed

• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE CHIPOTLE-LIME CLAMS:

• To a medium pot or braising pan, set over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the olive oil is warm, add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Next add the garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Turn the heat to high and then pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Mix in the tomato paste, chipotles in adobo and butter.

• Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, just until the flavors are married together; give it a taste and adjust the salt to your liking. I added about 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the corn and arrange the little neck clams in one even layer. If some overlap that’s ok. Bring to a gentle simmer and cover the pan; cook the clams for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will depend on the size of the clams.

• Some of the clams I had were stubborn that refused to open. I knew they weren’t bad so I removed the clams that were totally open (so they wouldn’t overcook) and covered the pot until all of them opened. The clams I had were sort of large so I think this was the problem.

• Discard any clams that refuse to open (one of the clams in my batch were discarded). Squeeze the lime juice over the clams and serve immediately; serve alongside the buttery garlic bread.

EQUIPMENT 1 (4-quart) pot or large skillet

NUTRITION Serving: 4g | Calories: 240kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 5g (2%) | Protein: 10g (20%) | Fat: 3g (5%) | Cholesterol: 100mg (33%) | Sodium: 50mg (2%)