Sardinian Malloreddus with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, and Tuna Bottarga

Malloreddus with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, and Tuna Bottarga

Category: Pasta Dishes

Serves: 4

This exquisite Malloreddus with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, and Tuna Bottarga is an unforgettable dish that combines the delicate flavors of the sea with the rich essence of sun-kissed tomatoes and the aromatic touch of bottarga. The gnocchetti sardi, a traditional Sardinian pasta, perfectly captures the briny goodness of clams, making every bite a celebration of the Mediterranean. Let’s dive into the steps and ingredients to prepare this delicious masterpiece.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Clams
   Begin by cleaning the clams. Place them on a chopping board and gently tap them to help expel any sand inside. Discard any clams that release sand or have cracked shells. Once cleaned, place the clams in a colander set over a bowl, and rinse them thoroughly under running water.

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2. Cook the Clams
   Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Remove the garlic once it’s golden. Add the clams to the pan and pour in the white wine. Allow the clams to steam until they open up. As the clams cook, save a couple of ladles of the cooking liquid to enhance the flavor of your sauce later. Once the clams have fully opened, discard any that remain closed. Remove the clams from their shells, setting aside a few in their shells for garnish.

3. Prepare the Tomatoes and Shallot
   While the clams are cooking, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Finely chop the shallot. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and sauté the shallot until soft and translucent. Add the tomatoes to the pan, season with a pinch of salt and pepper (keeping in mind the clams will add their own saltiness), and cook gently over low heat for 3 minutes. As the tomatoes cook, add a few spoonfuls of the clam cooking liquid to enhance their flavor.

4. Combine Clams and Pasta
   Once the tomatoes have softened, add the shelled clams to the pan and stir well. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchetti sardi in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. When the gnocchetti is ready, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan with the tomatoes and clams. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce come together and coat the pasta.

5. Finish and Serve
   Plate the pasta, making sure to distribute the clams and tomatoes evenly. Garnish with the whole clams you set aside earlier, and finish the dish with a generous grating of tuna bottarga. This will add a salty, umami richness to the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicate combination of flavors in each bite.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

This Malloreddus with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, and Tuna Bottarga is a dish that transports you to the sunny coasts of Sardinia with every mouthful. The soft, chewy pasta paired with the tender clams and the intense umami from the tuna bottarga makes for an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. Buon appetito!