Clams Oreganata

A classic Italian seafood dish featuring fresh clams cooked with garlic, tomatoes, and oregano, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and lemon zest. Perfect as an appetizer or light main course.

8 servings
18 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 whole canned whole plum tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
  • 3 lb small hard-shelled clams
  • ½ cup toasted bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook garlic in oil in a deep 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and 1 tablespoon oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with pepper. Add clams, stirring well to coat, then cover pot tightly and increase heat to moderately high. Cook, stirring once, until clams open, 5 to 7 minutes. (Discard any clams that have not opened after 7 minutes.)

    13 min

  2. 2.

    While clams are cooking, toss together bread crumbs, zest, and remaining tablespoon oregano. Divide clams and pan juices among 8 shallow bowls, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately.

    5 min