Spanish Recipe for Almejas con Ajo (Clams with Garlic)

Name: Almejas con Ajo (Clams with Garlic)
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 3 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 T good-quality olive oil; 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped; 2-3 T (a generous splash) of dry white wine; small clams (such as Little Neck), about 4 cups; 2 T chopped flat-leaf parsley

November 17, 2020 | By Peg Kern

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Tapas dishes are one of the primary reasons to go to Spain as far as we are concerned. What could be better than delectable small dishes that allow you to experience a variety of flavors? From seafood to meats to vegetables, from cold dishes to hot, a tapas meal is a wonderful way to eat with friends.

Learn more about Spanish tapas.

One of our favorite tapas is Almejas con Ajo, or clams with garlic. I had the opportunity to make it during a cooking class several years ago in Catalonia. It is surprisingly easy, and very simple to replicate at home. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Taste Spanish tapas on a culinary tour of Spain.

Almejas con Ajo

Serves: 2
Prep time: 60 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Cook method: Sauté

Ingredients:

2 T good-quality olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2-3 T (a generous splash) of dry white wine
small clams (such as Little Neck), about 4 cups
2 T chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions:

1. Wash the outside of the clams in cold water to eliminate any obvious sand or debris. Soak them for an hour or two in cold water, then drain.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan or dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
4. Add the clams all at once, and shake the pan vigorously for a few seconds. Add the white wine and cover. The clams will cook quickly (in a couple of minutes) and are done when they have opened. Do not overcook them!
5. Add the parsley and give the clams a quick stir. Serve in bowls with slices of crusty bread on the side and a glass of Spanish wine.

What’s your favorite tapas dish? Is it hot or cold? Let us know in the comments or on social media! And if you’d like to try your hand at cooking Spanish cuisine, check out our cooking vacations in Spain!