Linguine with Clams · White Wine and Garlic
Linguine with Clams in White Wine Garlic Sauce
Screen stays on while you cook
Before you start
Gather your ingredients
Swaps for kosher salt
Instead of salt
- Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
- Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.
Swaps for extra-virgin olive oil
Instead of olive oil
- Avocado oil or another neutral oil: The same amount. No olive flavor; avocado oil handles higher heat.
- Butter: The same amount. Richer and nutty when browned.
- A neutral oil + more seasoning: The same amount. Dressings lose the fruity, peppery note; a little extra lemon, garlic or mustard makes up for it.
Swaps for garlic
Instead of garlic
- Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
- Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.
Swaps for red pepper flakes
Instead of red pepper flakes
- Cayenne: About half as much. Even heat throughout, no flakes.
- Hot sauce or chili crisp: To taste. Hot sauce adds vinegar; chili crisp adds crunch and oil.
- A fresh hot chile: Half a jalapeño or serrano for each ½ tsp. Fresh, green heat.
Swaps for dry white wine
Instead of white wine
- Broth + vinegar or lemon juice: The same amount of chicken or vegetable broth, plus 1 tsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice per cup. Savory and bright; a little less fruity.
- Dry vermouth: The same amount. Herbal and a bit stronger.
- White grape juice + vinegar: Half white grape juice and half broth, plus a splash of vinegar. Sweeter; fine in small amounts.
Cooking doesn't burn off all the alcohol: a dish simmered 15 minutes can keep close to half of it, and even after 2 hours some is left. Use an alcohol-free swap for anyone who avoids alcohol.
Swaps for unsalted butter
Instead of butter
- Salted butter: The same amount, with about ¼ tsp less salt per stick (½ cup) elsewhere in the recipe. Nothing noticeable once you cut the salt.
- Plant-based butter sticks: The same amount. The closest swap.
- Refined coconut oil: The same amount: solid when the butter is soft or cold, melted when it is melted. It is all fat, so bakes are a bit more tender and rich, with no butter flavor.
Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.
Swaps for fresh parsley
Instead of parsley
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
- Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
- Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.
Step 1 of 11
Scrub the clams under cold running water with a stiff brush.
Step 2 of 11
Throw away any clams with cracked shells, and any open ones that don't close when you tap them on the counter.
Step 3 of 11
Bring a large pot of water to a and add 1 tablespoon salt.
boil (how to boil)
Boil Heat liquid until big bubbles rise and break all over the surface. 1. Use a pot big enough that the water fills it no more than three quarters.2. Cover it to boil faster, over high heat.3. Salt pasta or vegetable water once it boils.4. Add the food, stir, and bring it back to a boil before you start timing. Done when: A rolling boil keeps bubbling hard even when you stir. Safety: Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, and drain pasta into a colander in the sink, pouring away from you. Steam burns fast: lift lids and foil away from your face, tipping the far edge up first.How to boil water for pasta and vegetables: mistakes to avoidStep 4 of 11
Cook the linguine 2 minutes less than the package says.
Step 5 of 11
While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic and pepper flakes and stir until the garlic is pale golden.
Step 6 of 11
Pour in the wine and bring it to a .
boil (how to boil)
Boil Heat liquid until big bubbles rise and break all over the surface. 1. Use a pot big enough that the water fills it no more than three quarters.2. Cover it to boil faster, over high heat.3. Salt pasta or vegetable water once it boils.4. Add the food, stir, and bring it back to a boil before you start timing. Done when: A rolling boil keeps bubbling hard even when you stir. Safety: Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, and drain pasta into a colander in the sink, pouring away from you. Steam burns fast: lift lids and foil away from your face, tipping the far edge up first.How to boil water for pasta and vegetables: mistakes to avoidStep 7 of 11
Add the clams, cover tightly and cook, shaking the pot once or twice, until the shells open.
Step 8 of 11
Move the opened clams to a bowl with tongs. Give any closed ones 2 more minutes, then throw away any that still haven't opened.
Step 9 of 11
Scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the linguine.
Step 10 of 11
Add the linguine and butter to the clam broth and toss over medium-high heat until the pasta soaks up much of the liquid. Add pasta water if it looks dry.
Step 11 of 11
Return the clams and any juices from the bowl, add the parsley and toss. Serve with lemon wedges.
All done
Enjoy!
Made it? Sign in to rate it and leave a review.