Spaghetti alle vongole facts for kids
Spaghetti alle vongole
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| Alternative names | Spaghetti con vongole |
|---|---|
| Course | Pasta |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Southern Italy |
| Main ingredients | Spaghetti, clams |
Spaghetti alle vongole is an Italian phrase meaning "spaghetti with clams". This tasty dish is very popular all over Italy. It is especially famous in the Campania region, where it is a traditional part of the food from Naples.
Contents
What Kinds of Clams Are Used?
The most common clams for this dish are called vongola verace. These are also known as carpet-shell clams. Sometimes, smaller clams called Mediterranean wedge shells (or "bean clams") are used. In some parts of Italy, like Liguria and Tuscany, both types are called arselle. In America, people might use small cherrystone clams instead.
How to Make Spaghetti with Clams
Italians usually make this dish in two main ways:
- In bianco: This means "in white." It is made with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Sometimes, a little white wine is added for extra flavor.
- In rosso: This means "in red." It is similar to in bianco but includes fresh tomatoes and basil. Adding tomatoes is more common in southern Italy.
To prepare the dish, the live clams are quickly cooked in hot olive oil with lots of garlic. As they cook, the clams open up. They release a flavorful liquid that becomes the main taste of the sauce. The cooked clams are then mixed with firm pasta, usually spaghetti, linguine, or vermicelli. Salt, black pepper (or red pepper), and fresh chopped parsley are also added.
Regional Differences in Italy
In the Liguria region of Italy, which is east of Genoa, Spaghetti alle vongole often uses tiny baby clams. These clams are very small, about the size of a thumbnail. The sauce is usually a simple white wine and garlic sauce. People in Liguria might also use linguine pasta instead of spaghetti.
Some recipes in America might add cream to this dish. However, in Italy, adding cream is not traditional. Many Italian cooks believe that cream can make the flavors less special. They feel it does not fit with the delicate taste of clams and good olive oil. Also, cheese is sometimes added in America, but Italians think it can overpower the simple, fresh flavors of the clams and olive oil.
Images for kids
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Linguine alle vongole
See also
In Spanish: Spaghetti alle vongole para niños
