Clam Toasts with Pancetta
The perfect Appetizer for when you want to show off your cooking talent.
  • Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 2 yield(s)
Ingredients
    INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil ((Devided))
  • 65 g Pancetta ((Italian Bacon))
  • 4 Clove Garlic ((2 Thinly Sliced)(2 Whole))
  • 1/2 Medium Sweet Onion ((Finely Chopped))
  • 1/2 cup Fennel ((Chopped))
  • 2 Lemon Zest ((Strips))
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Fennel
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine ((Devided))
  • 2 Slices Sourdough Bread ((3cm Thick))
  • 453 g Manila OR Littleneck Clams OR Cockles
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves
Instructions
    METHOD:
  1. 1. Heat 1 Tbsp. Oil in a large skillet over medium. Add Pancetta and cook stirring occasionally until brown and crisp for 5 to 7 minutes. Add sliced Garlic and cook stirring often until Garlic is golden around the edges about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and add Sweet Onion and chopped Fennel. Cook stirring occasionally, until softened and Onion is translucent for 6 to 8 minutes. Add Lemon Zest, Bay Leaf, Ground Fennel, 1/2 cup Wine and a pinch of Salt. Increase heat to medium-high and cook stirring occasionally until Wine is mostly reduced but mixture is still a little bit saucy for about 3 minutes. Transfer soffritto to a medium bowl discard Lemon Zest and Bay Leaf. Wipe out skillet.
  2. 2. Heat 2 Tbsp. Oil in same skillet over medium. Arrange bread slices in skillet and cook until golden brownfor about 1 minute per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Cut 1 Garlic Clove in half and rub one side of each toast with cut side of garlic. Wipe out skillet.
  3. 3. Heat 1 Tbsp. Oil in same skillet over medium. Crush remaining Garlic Clove with the side of a chef’s knife and cook stirring often until it begins to turn golden for about 1 minute. Add Clams, Soffritto and remaining 1/2 cup Wine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered, until liquid is reduced by half and clams are open (discard any that do not open) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Add Parsley and Fennel fronds and cook 1 minute longer. Taste and season with Salt if needed.
  4. 4. To serve, place fried bread on plates and spoon clam mixture and cooking broth over. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.