Steamed Clams With Lemons And Calabrian Chiles Recipes

CHARRED RAPINI WITH ANCHOVIES AND FRESNO CHILES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of equal parts salted and sugared water to a boil. Once at a boil, add the rapini and blanch until bright green but still firm, 3 to 5 minutes. Add to an ice bath until cool, then allow to thoroughly dry on a kitchen towel-lined sheet tray.
• Mix together the anchovies, finishing olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, parsley, black olives and Fresno in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the rapini, in batches if needed, and allow to slightly char, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and stir to combine, allowing the garlic to soften and bloom, about 1 minute. Transfer to a platter. Drizzle with the anchovy vinaigrette.

STEAMED CLAMS FOR TWO

Steps:

• In the bottom of a steamer bring 2 tablespoons butter, wine, water, parsley and hot pepper sauce to a boil.
• Arrange clams on rack and place in steamer. Cover and steam for 6-10 minutes or until clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.
• Divide clams (in their shells) in two bowls.
• Strain broth and ladle over clams.
• Divide remaining butter (4 tablespoons) between 2 small dishes (for dipping). Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

CRISPY CAULIFLOWER WITH LEMON AIOLI

Steps:

• For the cauliflower: Preheat a fryer to 350 degrees F, or heat 3 inches oil to 350 degrees F in a Dutch oven or deep skillet. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
• Whisk the eggs with the Parmesan in a bowl. Mix the flour and salt in another bowl. Dip the cauliflower in the Parmesan egg mixture, then into the salted flour, then into the fryer. Fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season the cauliflower with salt while still in either the fryer basket or strainer and pour on the prepared wire rack.
• For the lemon aioli: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Pour into a serving bowl and garnish with the chives.
• Arrange the crispy cauliflower on a platter. Grate some Parmesan over, then sprinkle with the lemon zest and chives. Serve alongside the lemon aioli.

STEAMED CLAMS WITH LEMONS AND CALABRIAN CHILES

Steps:

• Preheat the grill over medium-high heat.
• Add the butter, parsley sprigs, rosemary, thyme and chopped garlic to a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat and allow the butter to melt. Add the preserved lemon, Calabrian chiles and clams and stir to combine. Cover the clams with the wine, then bring to a simmer and allow the clams to open and the sauce to reduce, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put the lemon halves and bread on the grill and allow to char all over, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove both from the grill. Rub each piece of bread with the whole clove of garlic and drizzle with the olive oil. Set aside until ready to serve.
• Remove the clams from the Dutch oven to a large serving bowl. Allow the sauce to reduce for another 2 minutes over high heat. Taste and adjust the sauce with salt, if needed. Add the charred lemon and bread to the serving bowl and pour over the reduced sauce, sprigs and all. Garnish with the chopped parsley.

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH ROASTED WILD MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• For the beef: Preheat a pizza oven or regular oven to 400 degrees F.
• Sprinkle the tenderloin with all the herbs and salt and pepper. Heat a 14-inch cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup cooking oil, heating until hot. Add the tenderloin and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Once almost browned on the second side, add the butter and let melt. Transfer the pan to the oven to continue cooking until your desired doneness, or 12 minutes for medium-rare. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then slice into 1- to 1 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• For the Armagnac sauce: Add the beef fat to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and let melt. Add the bones and sear just until some of the bone marrow has begun to melt, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the oven and roast until dark and golden, about 15 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic and porcinis. Put back into the oven and allow to brown another 10 minutes.
• Transfer the pot to the stovetop. Add the rosemary, sage and Armagnac. Allow the alcohol to ignite and immediately cover with the lid. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add the veal demi, chicken stock and green peppercorns, stirring to combine. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes over medium heat.
• Carefully strain the Armagnac sauce directly into a medium saucepan and whisk in the cold butter until thoroughly combined.
• For the wild mushrooms: Turn the heat on under a 12-inch cast-iron pan to medium-high until hot. Add the mushrooms and allow to get hot again, then add the butter and allow the mushrooms to brown all over, about 10 minutes. Add the parsley and rosemary and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• For the gremolata: Add the panko to a large cast-iron pan and allow to toast over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes. Add the butter and allow to brown, another 2 minutes. Add the garlic and bloom for 2 minutes. Add the parsley and chives to finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Add the mushrooms to the bottom of a large platter. Top with the sliced tenderloin, then spoon the sauce around the outside of the mushrooms. Top the tenderloin with the gremolata and serve.