Baked Clams With Roasted Sweet Shallots Fennel Food

BAKED CLAMS WITH ROASTED SWEET SHALLOTS & FENNEL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
• Halve the unpeeled shallots and place cut-side-up in a large roasting tray. Trim the fennel, slice into 2cm wedges and add to the tray.
• Using a pestle and mortar, bash the fennel seeds and chilli flakes, then sprinkle over the shallots. Drizzle over 4 tablespoons of oil, season and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the shallots are golden and coming away from their skins.
• Wash the clams under cold running water, scrubbing the shells and pulling off any seaweed stuck to them. Make sure they are all tightly closed - tap any open ones, and if they don't close, discard.
• Remove the shallots and fennel from the oven and turn up the oven to full whack. Remove the shallots and fennel to a plate, taking care to leave all the lovely juices in the tray. Remove and discard the skins from the shallots, then set aside until needed.
• Add the clams to the tray of juices and pour over the wine. Pick and finely chop the parsley, finely grate the lemon zest, and mix most of it through.
• Halve the lemon, rub with oil and pop in the pan, then cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the clams have opened (discard any that have not).
• Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest and parsley over the dish and gently fold everything through the lovely cooking juices. Serve with glasses of chilled Italian wine and crusty bread.

CLAMS WITH FENNEL BROTH

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the celery, fennel, leeks, shallots and garlic and cook on very low heat until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme, bay leaf and white wine, increase the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the clam juice, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the creme fraiche. Add the clams, cover the pot, and cook until all the clams have opened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the baguette

ROASTED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
• Cut the ends off the shallots and peel them. If you are struggling with getting the skin off, make a shallow cut along the length of the shallot and then peel. Place them on a small baking sheet and drizzle them lightly with olive oil.
• Pour on the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Use a rubber spatula or your hands to mix well.
• Lay down the thyme sprigs and cover the pan with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Allow to cool slightly and serve.

STOUT-BRAISED CLAMS WITH POTATO, FENNEL, AND BACON

Steps:

• Put a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. When the pot is hot, add the bacon and fry until it gets crispy and renders the fat, roughly 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the potatoes to the delicious fat left in the pot. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the potatoes get a little color and start to soften up, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, fennel, garlic, and pepper. Continue to cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
• Raise the heat to high. Toss in the clams and pour in the stout and stock. Give everything a good stir and cover the pot. Steam until the clams open, 5 to 8 minutes, discarding any that do not open. Stir in the butter and sprinkle the reserved fennel fronds on top. Serve the braised clams from the pot, ladling portions at the table.