Buttered Pasta with Clams 
and Green Chiles


In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of the olive oil with 1/4 cup of the mint and the parsley 
and chives and puree until smooth. Strain the herb oil through a fine-mesh sieve 
into a small bowl, pressing on the solids; discard the solids in the sieve. 


In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the 
remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until nearly smoking. Add the poblanos, Cubanelle, shishitos and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until blistered in spots and just softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced shallot, minced garlic and capers and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until just softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir in the herb oil. 


In a large pot, toast the mixed spices over moderate heat until fragrant, about 
2 minutes. Add the sliced shallots and crushed garlic, then carefully add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the clam juice and bring to a boil. Add the clams, cover and steam over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the clams open, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the clams to a large rimmed 
baking sheet to cool slightly, then remove the meat from the shells; discard the shells and any clams that do not open. Strain the clam cooking liquid through a fine-mesh 
sieve into a bowl; discard the solids.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted 
boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well. 


Wipe out the pot. Add the butter and 
cook until melted. Add the clams, chile mixture, pasta, crème fraîche and 1/2 cup of the strained clam cooking liquid and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until hot, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and the remaining 1/2 cup of mint and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls, garnish with more mint and 
the wasabi masago and serve right away.