LITTLENECK CLAMS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES AND PEARL COUSCOUS
Makes: 4 servings
Total time: 45 minutes 3 pounds littleneck clams Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 large shallots, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 small red chile (such as Fresno or red jalapeño), seeded and minced (about 1 tablespoon) 3 cups cherry tomatoes (preferably a combination of Sungold and red cherry tomatoes) ½ cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc) ½ cup pearl couscous or fregola 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Crusty bread, for serving
1. Place the clams in a large bowl along with 1 tablespoon salt and fill the bowl with cold water. Set aside to let the clams release any grit.
2. While the clams soak, prepare the sauce: In a large Dutch oven (or a deep 12-inch skillet with a lid), heat the olive oil over medium. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chile and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to collapse, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Stir in the wine and bring to a boil.
5. While the wine comes to a simmer, lift the clams from the water and rinse well under running water, scrubbing if necessary.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the clams to the pot, evenly nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook until the clams open, 8 to 12 minutes, checking every few minutes and removing clams and placing them in a large serving bowl as they open. (This will prevent the clams from overcooking.) Discard any clams that do not open.
7. Bring the liquid in the pot back to a boil over medium-high heat and add the couscous. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the couscous is tender and the liquid in the pan has reduced, 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Off the heat, season the couscous mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then carefully pour it over the clams. Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately, with crusty bread on the side.