Picture yourself savoring a dish where the flavors and textures harmonize to perfection—a memory etched by the delightful bite of each clam and the rich aroma wafting from a warm baked casserole. I'm seriously captivated by the tender clams nestled within creamy, flavorful rice, each mouthful singing the praises of Italian culinary heritage. Definitely worth the experience!
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Italian Baked Rice and Clams
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Italian Baked Rice and Clams
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 500 g 1 pound de-shelled pre-cooked clams
- 2 ½ cup chicken stock
- 250 g ½ pound potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups camolino rice
- ⅓ cup parmesan
- ½ cup sharp cheese like gouda or cheddar, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160C/325F.
- Heat up olive oil and saute onions for 5 minutes. Mix in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine and let it evaporate. Season onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, transfer onto a separate plate.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, 3 garlic cloves, ½ cup white wine
- Drizzle some olive oil into a pan and add half of the sliced potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt, add half of the rice, half of the cooked onions, half of the tomatoes, half of the parmesan, season with some salt, repeat all the layers once more. Top with shredded cheese and clams. Pour chicken stock into the pan.500 g 1 pound de-shelled pre-cooked clams, 2 ½ cup chicken stock, 250 g ½ pound potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly, 1 cup tomatoes, 1 ¼ cups camolino rice, ⅓ cup parmesan, ½ cup sharp cheese
- Cover the pan with a piece of parchment and bake for 1 hour.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- 500 g (1 pound) de-shelled pre-cooked clams
- 2 ½ cup chicken stock
- 250 g (½ pound) potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups camolino rice
- ⅓ cup parmesan
- ½ cup sharp cheese (like gouda or cheddar), shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 160C/325F.
Heat up olive oil and saute onions for 5 minutes. Mix in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine and let it evaporate. Season onions with a pinch of salt and pepper, transfer onto a separate plate.
Drizzle some olive oil into a pan and add half of the sliced potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt, add half of the rice, half of the cooked onions, half of the tomatoes, half of the parmesan, season with some salt, repeat all the layers once more. Top with shredded cheese and clams. Pour chicken stock into the pan.
Cover the pan with a piece of parchment and bake for 1 hour.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Crusty Garlic Bread
For those craving more carbohydrates, a crusty loaf of garlic bread serves as the perfect companion. Its crisp exterior and soft interior are ideal for soaking up any remaining juices, ensuring you enjoy every last morsel of this delightful dish.
Roasted Vegetables
Enhance your meal with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini tossed in olive oil and herbs. These vibrant and healthy sides align harmoniously with the casserole’s flavors, offering a nutritious balance to your plate.
Creamy Polenta
For a touch of decadence, serve the dish alongside creamy polenta. Its smooth, buttery texture complements the baked rice and clams, creating a luxurious dining experience. This pairing not only enhances the dish but also showcases a range of flavors and textures that celebrate the heart of Italian cuisine.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Use Quality Ingredients
Opt for fresh, pre-cooked clams and a good-quality white wine to enhance the depth of flavor. The wine adds complexity and acts as a tenderizer, infusing the rice with a subtle sweetness that balances the umami of the clams.
Master the Layering Technique
Carefully layer potatoes, rice, onions, tomatoes, and cheese to ensure even cooking and a balanced distribution of flavors. This method allows each spoonful to contain a perfect mix of textures—creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy—while maintaining the dish's structure and preventing the rice from becoming too dense.
Don't Skip the Parchment Paper
Cover the dish with parchment paper during baking to trap steam, which helps the ingredients cook evenly and allows the rice to absorb all the flavors without drying out. This simple step ensures that your baked clam casserole emerges from the oven moist and flavorful.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rice should I use for this dish?
For Italian Baked Rice and Clams, camolino rice is recommended due to its short-grain texture and excellent absorption capabilities. This variety ensures each grain swells with flavor, creating a creamy consistency that is quintessential to Italian rice dishes. If camolino is unavailable, Arborio rice is a suitable alternative.
Can I use fresh clams instead of pre-cooked ones?
Yes, fresh clams can be used, but they require additional preparation. First, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and steamed until just opened. Remember to reserve the clam juice from steaming, as it can be added to the casserole for an extra dose of sea flavor.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
The recipe traditionally calls for parmesan and a sharp cheese such as gouda or cheddar. Parmesan provides a nutty flavor and a bit of saltiness, while the sharp cheese adds creaminess and depth. Feel free to experiment with cheeses like pecorino or fontina for a personalized touch.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to account for the chilled ingredients. This method allows you to have a delicious meal on hand without last-minute stress.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If this recipe has sparked your interest in the world of casseroles, you're in luck! The versatility and comfort of casseroles make them a beloved choice for home cooks around the globe. From hearty meat-based options to veggie delights, there's a casserole for every taste and occasion.
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