Clam Risotto (Rice with Clams)

 INGREDIENTS
12  little neck clams *see note
2    cups dry white table wine (divided)
2    cans minced clams (6.5 ounces)
2    jars of clam juice (8 ounce)
2    tablespoons olive oil
1    medium white onion, chopped
1    cup Arborio or similar rice
½   tablespoon butter
2    teaspoons dried sage
1    teaspoon lemon juice

METHOD

Wash the clams and drain. In a medium sauce pan with a steamer inserted, pour the wine and add the clams. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and remove all the clams, discarding any that are not opened. Reserve the clams. Pour the cooking liquid through a paper-towel-lined sieve into a 2 cup measuring cup.

Open the cans of clams, pouring the juice into the measuring cup with the cooking liquid  and reserve the clams in a small bowl. Open one jar of clam juice and pour as much as needed to bring the measuring cup up to 2 cups. Reserve the remainder and pour the 2 cups of clam juice into a small sauce pan and place over low heat.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high and add the on ions. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are translucent. Add the rice, stir well to completely coat with the oil, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it begins to sizzle. Add the second cup of white wine and stir the rice until it is all absorbed. Add ½ cup of the clam broth and  stir until that is also absorbed. Continue to add small amounts of liquid and continue to stir until the rice is cooked al dente (you may need more or less clam juice.)

Add the clams, butter, sage and lemon juice and mix well. Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve adorned with the cooked clams. A nice dry white wine like Guglielmo Pinot Grigio should go well with this dish.

 

NOTE: These clams are basically for garnishing. The recipe will serve 4 to 6 people depending on the serving size. The number of clams here should be the number you want on each serving times the number of servings. 12 will put 3 on four servings or 2 on six servings. You may want to get a few extra in case a few do not open and cannot be eaten.