Linguine with Clams, Green Tomatoes and Saffron

Plus: Pasta Recipes and Tips

Yield:
2

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/2 pound imported dried thin linguine or spaghetti

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced lengthwise

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • Small pinch of saffron threads

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 2 small green tomatoes (about 3/4 pound total)—cored, seeded and chopped, juices reserved

  • 18 littleneck clams, scrubbed

Directions

  1. Fill a stockpot with 6 quarts of water, cover and bring to a boil. Add 3 1/2 tablespoons salt to the water and add the linguine. Cover partially just until the water returns to a boil, then uncover, stir the pasta and cook until almost al dente. Drain the linguine, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonreactive skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook over high heat until the garlic is barely golden, about 2 minutes. Add the saffron, red pepper, green tomatoes and their juices and the clams. Cover tightly and cook over moderately low heat until the clams have opened fully, about 7 minutes. Discard any clams that don't open.

  3. Add the linguine to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, tossing well. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Serve immediately.

Suggested Pairing

Abruzzo, home of some of the world's best saffron, inspired the choice of wine. Try a Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (white) or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (red); either would work beautifully.

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