Seashells

Conchiglie with tomato sauce and clams
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Conchiglie with tomato sauce and clams is a dish that combines rich flavors with the silky texture of pasta. This recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but also add a touch of elegance to your plate.

A short story about conchiglie

Conchiglie, named for their shell-like shape, are versatile pasta that can be stuffed or served with various sauces. Their origins are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their ability to hold sauces. In this recipe, the clams add a special element, transforming a simple dish into a true delicacy.

Ingredients

- 400 g conchiglie (shells)
- 1 bag (400 g) of frozen clams
- 1 can (400 g) of tomatoes in their own juice
- 1 medium onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 200 g minced meat (pork or beef, to taste)
- 100 ml olive oil or sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or spicy, depending on preference)

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A deep frying pan
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A grater
- A wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Boiling the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the conchiglie and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes for al dente). Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce
In a deep frying pan, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning. When the onion becomes translucent, add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Adding the ingredients
Drain the tomatoes from the can, reserving the juice. Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned evenly. Then, add the tomato juice, bay leaf, and mix well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat.

Step 4: Incorporating the tomatoes and spices
After the mixture has simmered a bit, add the diced tomatoes, chopped parsley (reserve some for garnish), basil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Preparing the clams
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the clams. If using frozen clams, make sure to thaw them beforehand. Once cooked (about 5-7 minutes in boiling salted water), drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 6: Assembling
Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and add the cooked clams. Gently mix to avoid breaking the clams. Then, add the drained conchiglie and mix everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

Serving suggestions

Serve the conchiglie warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, add some grated Parmesan on top. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. You can also complement the meal with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemon cocktail.

Tips and useful advice

- Nutritional aspects: This recipe provides a good source of protein from the meat and clams, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta. You can adjust the portions of meat and vegetables to tailor the recipe to your nutritional needs.
- Variations: You can substitute the minced meat with tofu for a vegetarian option or add olives for an extra flavor boost.
- Frequently asked questions: You can store the sauce in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it and combine it with fresh pasta for a quick meal.
- Canned tomatoes: Use high-quality tomatoes for a tastier sauce; you can opt for organic or Italian tomatoes.

Conclusion

Conchiglie with tomato sauce and clams is a dish that not only delights your taste buds but also brings a touch of joy in every bite. It is a recipe that can be adapted to your preferences, and the combination of ingredients will make every meal special. So, don’t hesitate to experiment, share this recipe with your loved ones, and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 1 bag of shells, 1 box of tomatoes, 1 onion, 5 cloves of garlic, 1 carrot, green parsley, 1 teaspoon of basil, 1 bay leaf, 200 g of minced meat, 100 ml of oil, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika.

 Tags:  paste