Ingredients

  • 1 lb little neck clams, cleaned
  • 1 lb mussels, cleaned
  • 1 tbsp, olive oil
  • 2 c pancetta, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled minced
  • 1 tbsp whole fennel seeds, toasted in a dry saute pan over medium heat
  • 1 tbsp crushed chillies
  • 1 c white wine
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 spring parsley, chopped

Method

  • 1) Wash clams in cold running water with a little salt to help purge of sand and grit.
  • 2) In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until sizzling, about two minutes. Brown the pancetta, about 4 to 5 minutes and add garlic, fennel, and crushed chillies.
  • 3)Stir and cook two more minutes and then place clams and mussels in the pan. Cook for one minute, then deglaze with wine. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the clams and mussels have opened.
  • 4) Remove the lid, squeeze in the lemon and add the butter, and salt and pepper to taste.