Portuguese Stuffed Quahogs


Ingredients
15-16 clams, rinsed, sand and grit removed1 onion, minced1 stick butter1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley2 garlic cloves, minced3 teaspoons lemon juice1 cup bread crumbs1 cup chopped chouriço sausage1 tablespoon clam juice (or cooking liquid from steaming the clams)1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 lemon, sliced thinlySalt and pepper to taste
Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with 2 cups water and bring it to a boil. Add the clams to the boiling water.
  2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the clams steam for approximately 10 minutes, until the shells open.
  3. Remove the clam meat from the clams and mince the meat finely.
  4. Break apart the clam shells from their hinges.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. In a frying pan, melt the butter on medium heat and add the minced onion.
  7. Once the onions have softened add the garlic. Cook the garlic for 1 minute, then add the parsley, bread crumbs, minced clams, lemon juice, clam juice, and chopped chourico sausage.
  8. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes and stir it well. If the mixture is too dry, add more butter or clam juice.
  9. Lay the clam shells on a baking dish. Scoop a little stuffing mixture onto each clam shell.
  10. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, until the parmesan is browned on top.
  11. Take out of the oven and serve with lemon slices for extra flavor.

Recipe & Photo Credit: easyportugueserecipes.com

Preparation time 10 min
Cooking Time 45 min
Ready In 55 min
Level of DifficultyEasy
Servings4