Clam Pie

Clam Pie Recipe with Cheddar and Green Olives | Easy-to-Make Pie Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Clam Pie is a delicious and savory dish that combines the briny flavor of clams with a creamy, cheesy filling, all nestled in a crispy rice crust. This unique pie is sure to impress your family and friends at your next gathering.

History

Clam Pie has been a popular dish in coastal regions for many years, where fresh seafood is abundant. The combination of clams and cheese in a pie format is a comforting and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 tbsp flour
0.5 cup half and half
2 x 6.5 oz (184 g) cans minced clams (drain; reserve liquid)
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp dry vermouth (optional)
2 eggs, beaten

Rice crust

3 cups cooked rice
2 eggs, beaten
0.25 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives

How to prepare

Cook the onions in butter until they are tender but not browned.
Stir in the flour and cook for several more minutes.
Add half and half and 0.5 cup of clam liquid.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Add salt, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, cheese, and vermouth.
Blend a small amount of the hot mixture into the eggs.
Stir the egg mixture into the clam sauce. Add the clams.
Pour the mixture into a baked rice crust.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes.
To serve, cut into wedges.

Rice crust

Combine the rice, eggs, and olives.
Press the mixture firmly into a buttered 10-inch pie pan, pressing it just up to the top edge of the pie plate.
Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 10 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the filling for added flavor.
Substitute different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the filling for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the clams well and reserve the liquid for added flavor in the filling.

- Cooking the onions until they are tender but not browned will ensure a milder flavor in the filling.

- Mixing a small amount of the hot clam mixture into the beaten eggs before adding them to the filling will help prevent the eggs from curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Clam Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions until they are tender but not browned to avoid a strong onion flavor in the filling.

- Mixing a small amount of the hot clam mixture into the beaten eggs before adding them to the filling will help prevent the eggs from curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute milk or cream for the half and half if desired.

- Use fresh clams instead of canned clams for a more intense seafood flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Clam Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Clam Pie with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color. Serve the pie on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Clam Pie pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also pairs nicely with a light beer, such as a pilsner or pale ale.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Clam Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 200mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Shellfish

Summary

Clam Pie is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fat and protein, making it a satisfying meal option. It is also a good source of calcium and iron.

Summary

Clam Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With its creamy filling, briny clams, and crispy rice crust, this pie is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my mother's belongings. As I sifted through the yellowed recipe cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes fell upon a crumpled piece of paper with the words "Clam Pie" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I unfolded the paper and read the ingredients and instructions carefully.

I had never heard of clam pie before, but something about the combination of salty clams, creamy sauce, and flaky pastry intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try. As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the dish, memories of my childhood flooded back to me.

I remembered my mother bustling around the kitchen, expertly whipping up all sorts of delicious dishes. She was a master in the kitchen, and I always admired her culinary skills. I would watch her cook for hours, mesmerized by the way she chopped, stirred, and seasoned with such ease and grace.

One of my favorite memories was of the time she made clam chowder for the first time. I had never tasted anything like it before – the rich, briny broth filled with tender clams and chunks of potatoes was pure comfort in a bowl. From that moment on, I was hooked on seafood dishes, and I was always eager to learn more about cooking from my mother.

As I prepared the clam pie according to the recipe I had found, I couldn't help but think of my mother and the lessons she had passed down to me. She had taught me to respect the ingredients, to take my time in the kitchen, and to never be afraid to experiment and try new things. As the pie baked in the oven, filling the house with a tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my mother and the generations of women before her who had passed down their culinary knowledge to me.

When the pie was finally done and I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood kitchen, watching my mother cook with a sense of wonder and awe. The flavors of the salty clams, velvety sauce, and buttery crust melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren, just as my mother had done for me.

As I sat at the table, savoring each bite of the clam pie, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking that had been passed down through the generations of women in my family. I knew that with each dish I made, I was honoring their legacy and keeping their spirit alive in my own kitchen. And as I licked my plate clean and thought of all the other recipes waiting to be discovered in that old box of my mother's belongings, I knew that my culinary journey was far from over. The clam pie was just the beginning.