Traditional spanish christmas recipe: | Clams a la marinera (Almejas a la Marinera)

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on home cooking experiences)

👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes

🥘 Servings: 4-6 people

 📊 Difficulty Level: Medium

As a Spanish chef with deep roots in traditional cuisine, I can tell you that clams a la marinera (Almejas a la Marinera) holds a special place in Spanish Christmas celebrations. Every December, this elegant seafood dish graces countless holiday tables across Spain, bringing families together with its aromatic blend of sea and wine. When I prepare this dish in my London kitchen, the familiar scents transport me back to my childhood Christmases in Madrid, where the whole family would gather around steaming plates of these succulent clams.

What Are clams a la marinera?

Almejas a la Marinera is a classic Spanish seafood dish where fresh clams are cooked in a flavorful sauce of white wine, garlic, and herbs. This traditional recipe originated in Spain's coastal regions but has become a beloved Christmas dish throughout the country. The term "marinera" refers to the seafaring style of preparation, highlighting the dish's maritime heritage.

Ingredients

• 1 kg fresh clams, thoroughly cleaned

• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 200ml dry white wine

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

Preparation

1. Start by purging the clams in cold salted water for 30 minutes to remove any sand.

2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).

4. Add the paprika and stir quickly to prevent burning.

5. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add the cleaned clams and cover the pan.

7. Steam for 4-5 minutes until all clams have opened.

8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Professional chef tips

• Choose clams that are tightly closed and smell fresh of the sea

• Discard any clams that don't open during cooking

• Use Albariño wine for an authentic Spanish flavor

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce

What to serve with

This Christmas delicacy pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Spanish bread

• A glass of chilled Albariño wine

• Green salad with a light vinaigrette

• Other seafood tapas for a complete Christmas feast

Remember, the key to perfect Clams a la Marinera lies in the freshness of your ingredients and the love you put into preparing this traditional Spanish Christmas dish. ¡Buen provecho!