Cherrystone Clam Seviche

Ingredients

1. 12 cherrystone clams, scrubbed
2. 1/3 cup minced red onion
3. 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges, for serving
4. 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
5. 1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
6. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
7. Freshly ground pepper
8. Cilantro sprigs, for serving

1. Shuck the clams over a medium bowl. Scrape and clean 20 of the best half shells and refrigerate.
2. Cut the clams into 1/2 -inch pieces and place them in a clean bowl. Strain 1/4 cup of the clam liquor over the clams. Add the onion, lime juice, jalapeños, tomato and cilantro and season with pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to 2 hours.
3. Nestle the clam half shells on a bed of finely crushed ice. Spoon the clam seviche and any clam liquor into the cleaned shells. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and serve with lime wedges.