This Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter recipe brings the coastal flavors of Spain right into your home. Inspired by the Basque region, this dish is simple yet elegant, with clams steamed in a rich white wine, butter, and garlic sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a casual meal with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or as an impressive centerpiece for a special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh clams

• ½ cup white wine

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ lemon (sliced)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin Spanish olive oil

• Fresh parsley and chives (chopped)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)

• ¼ cup half and half

• Sea salt

• Loaf of crusty bread

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until softened but not browned, about 1 minute.

2. Cook the Clams:
   Add the clams to the saucepan, then pour in the white wine, and add fresh parsley and a pinch of sea salt. Cover the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until the clams have opened. Discard any clams that do not open.

3. Finish the Sauce:
   Remove from heat, add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the half and half. Stir until the butter is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

4. Serve:
   Transfer the clams and sauce to a shallow bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a couple of lemon slices. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350-400 kcal

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~10g

• Fat: ~25g

• Sodium: ~800mg

• Fiber: ~2g

The Essence of Spanish Olive Oil

One of the stars of this dish is the use of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, which adds a rich, fruity base to the sauce. Spanish olive oils are known for their smoothness and depth of flavor, making them the ideal fat for this type of dish. Olive oil helps balance the richness of the butter and the acidity of the wine, giving the sauce a silky texture that coats the clams perfectly. This ingredient brings an authentic touch to the recipe, making it feel like a true Spanish culinary experience.

The Simple Yet Flavorful Sauce

The sauce for this dish is simple yet bursting with flavor. The garlic and butter serve as the foundation, offering a fragrant, savory base. Garlic is sautéed in olive oil until fragrant, but care must be taken not to brown it, as it could turn bitter. Then, white wine is added to deglaze the pan, adding acidity and enhancing the richness of the butter. The parsley and lemon slices add freshness and brightness, creating a balance between the rich, buttery sauce and the zesty citrus. This sauce is not only perfect for the clams but also makes a delightful accompaniment to the crusty bread, as it soaks up all the goodness.

Cooking the Clams: A Perfect Steaming Method

The key to perfect clams is steaming them gently in the flavorful sauce. Once the garlic and wine mixture is ready, the clams are added and covered to cook. It only takes about 4-5 minutes for the clams to open, releasing their natural briny liquid into the sauce. When cooking shellfish like clams, it’s important to discard any that do not open, as they may not be safe to eat.

The steaming process is quick, but it’s crucial not to overcook the clams, as they can become tough and rubbery. When done right, the clams will be tender and juicy, with the delicate flavor of the sea enhanced by the aromatic sauce.

Finishing the Sauce: Creaminess and Richness

Once the clams have cooked, the sauce is finished with the addition of butter and half-and-half, giving it a creamy and luxurious texture. The butter is essential for creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the clams perfectly, while the half-and-half adds a slight creaminess without being overly heavy. The sauce is stirred until the butter has melted and fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and harmonious blend of flavors.

The final touch is the addition of fresh parsley and chives, which provide a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. A couple of lemon slices are added for a bright, citrusy garnish that ties the dish together.

Serving Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter

Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter is best served immediately after it’s made to enjoy the freshness of the clams and the sauce. Transfer the clams and sauce to a shallow bowl and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon slices for a burst of color and added freshness.

To complete the meal, serve with a loaf of crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping into the delicious sauce. The bread soaks up the rich, garlicky, and buttery broth, making each bite more satisfying. For a more refined presentation, serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to add some lightness to the richness of the dish.

Why Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter Works So Well

The beauty of Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter lies in its simplicity and its ability to showcase the natural flavor of the clams. The wine and garlic enhance the clams without overpowering them, and the richness of the butter and olive oil creates a luxurious sauce that complements the tender shellfish. The balance of savory, citrusy, and fresh flavors makes this dish a standout, whether served as an appetizer or as a main course.

The combination of seafood, garlic, wine, and butter is a classic pairing that works beautifully every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious seafood dish, Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter is sure to impress.

Nutritional Benefits

Clams are an excellent source of lean protein, and they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. The butter in the sauce adds richness and flavor, but it’s balanced by the use of olive oil, which provides heart-healthy fats. The half-and-half adds a creamy texture without being overly heavy, making the dish indulgent but not overly caloric.

The fresh parsley and chives not only add flavor but also provide important antioxidants and vitamins, and the lemon adds a good dose of vitamin C. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets, while still offering a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Conclusion

Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter is a simple yet elegant dish that captures the essence of coastal Spanish cuisine. The combination of tender clams, rich wine and butter sauce, and fresh herbs creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. With crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, Clams in White Wine with Garlic and Butter is an unforgettable meal that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.