Clam Ragout with Pancetta, Roasted Tomatoes, and Mustard Greens

Recipe by: Tom Colicchio | from Think Like a Chef

Cookstr

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

clam-ragout-with-pancetta-roasted-tomatoes-and-mustard-greens

Photo by: Joseph DeLeo

Shellfish with bacon is a classic combination. The sensation of salty, briny clams with slightly sweet pancetta is one of my favorites. In this dish roasted tomatoes are added to clams and bacon to create a hearty, rustic stew. This dish is good served with hearty bread, or over linguine. Substitute arugula if you can’t find mustard greens.

Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

6 ounces pancetta (or other unsmoked bacon), cut into strips about ½ inch thick and 2 inches long
2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 shallot, peeled and thinly sliced
4 roasted tomato halves, coarsely chopped
¼ cup dry white wine
3 dozen Manila or littleneck clams, scrubbed and rinsed
4 cups mustard greens
3 or 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Place the pancetta in a pot large enough to hold the clams. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

2. Discard all but about 2 tablespoons of fat. Increase the heat to medium and add the garlic and shallot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes, then add the roasted tomatoes. Cook about 1 minute. Add the wine and allow it to reduce until the pan is almost dry, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the clams and ¼ cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the clams open, about 10 minutes. Remove the lid and stir in the greens. Cook just until the greens are wilted, about 3 minutes. Divide the clams, greens, and broth among 4 shallow bowls. Top with pancetta, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.

Editor's Note

Nutritional information is based on using 3 tablespoons olive oil and does not include Roasted Tomato Halves. For nutritional information on Roasted Tomato Halves, please follow the link above.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 182kcal (9%)

Sodium 62mg (3%)

Total Carbohydrate 7g

Fiber 2g

Fat 11g (17%)

Trans Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 1g (7%)

Monounsaturated Fat 8g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 28mg (9%)