Clams with Oregano and Bread Crumbs (Vongole Origanate)

Ingredients

• 1 cup bread crumbs fresh
• 4  garlic cloves thinly sliced
• 3 cups kosher salt 
• 8 servings kosher salt and pepper black freshly ground
• 24 medium littleneck clams scrubbed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons oregano fresh chopped
• 1  bell pepper red cut into 1/8-inch dice
• 1 medium onion red cut into 1/8-inch dice

Equipment

• frying pan
• baking sheet
• mixing bowl
• broiler

Directions

1. Carefully open the clams, discarding the top shells, and drain the clam liquid into a small mixing bowl. Set aside. Loosen the clams from the bottom shells but do not remove them.
2. Pour the salt onto a baking sheet so that it is at least 1/2-inch deep and arrange the clams in their half-shells in the salt.
3. In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat until smoking.
4. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook 6 to 7 minutes, until softened and light golden brown.
5. Add the bread crumbs and continue cooking another 3 minutes, until they are light golden brown as well.
6. Remove the mixture from the heat, season with salt and pepper, and cool. Stir in the oregano and the reserved clam liquid.
7. Preheat the broiler. Pack about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture loosely into each clam shell. (Remember that the clam, not the stuffing, is the most important part of this dish; stuffing should surround and enhance the clam, not overpower it.)
8. Place the clams under the broiler and heat through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, just until the crumb mixture is deep golden brown; you're not really cooking the clam.
9. Drizzle with a drop of olive oil, and serve.
10. Source Information
11. From Mario Batali Holiday Food by Mario Batali Published in arrangement with Clarkson Potter/Publishers
12. Reprinted with permission from Mario Batali Holiday Food by Mario Batali. © 2000 Clarkson Potter