Clam pie
The key to a great Clam Pie lies in the combination of contrasting textures - the briny clams are complemented with the crunchy crumb topping, and a creamy and flavorful white sauce binds all the elements together. The crust is particularly important, as it is what wraps the sweet and salty flavor combination of the filling. I love to take a bite of the pie and find the golden and flaky crust balanced out by the tender clams.
When we make Clam Pie, we always try to use fresh clams from their beds in the nearby ocean. However, if you don't have access to such luxurious ingredients, you can also easily make a version with canned clams. For those who long for the sweet taste of the sea without having to make a trip to it, canned clams will give you delicious results.
The best way to enjoy a Clam Pie is with some company. It's a fun dish to share around the table, with each person adding their favorite condiment for an extra kick (my personal favorite is a bit of hot sauce). Whether it's a family dinner or a potluck with friends, a Clam Pie is sure to bring some much-needed brightness to the meal.
So if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish, Clam Pie is the perfect choice. Just combine simple ingredients, roll out the crust, and bake in the oven while you wait for the delightful aroma to fill your kitchen. My grandmother's Clam Pie may not be the most glamorous dish, but its comforting flavors and nostalgia make it a much-loved staple in our family.
Clam pie recipes
Amazing Clam pie recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Clam pie
The delectable and iconic clam pie is a dish that has thrilled taste buds and tantalized palates for centuries. Its humble beginnings are believed to have originated from the coastal towns of England, where fishermen would use freshly caught clams to make a savory delicious filling and encase it in a buttery pastry crust.
The dish saw an influx of popularity during the mid-19th century due to the industrialization of the fishing industry which allowed for large scale harvesting of clams. This combined with the already developing restaurant culture within England meant that the clam pie became a popular staple of many households.
While the dish itself is relatively simple, with the majority of ingredients being readily available, it still retains an air of sophistication and elegance, owing much of its fame to its being served by members of the British Royal family.
It's no surprise then that the recipe has endured throughout the ages and has migrated to different areas around the world. In Japan, a version of the dish is known as 'Futomaki', and in the United States, it's often served with a twist of lemon or a creamy sauce adding flavor to the already succulent filling.
Although the origins of the dish are shrouded in mystery and folklore, the clam pie remains a favorite of many who adore its lusciously tender texture and its delicate balance of flavors. It never fails to provide a tantalizing treat that's sure to leave everyone licking their lips.
Types of Clam pie
Ah, clam pie. It is a culinary delight that has been fueling bellies and providing us with sustenance for centuries. Whether you are a fan of the classic New England-style clam pie or prefer the sweet and savory flavors of the variety native to the Pacific Northwest, there is no denying the deliciousness of this humble dish.
The original clam pie recipe dates back to the 1600s, when it was first recorded in a cookbook from Plymouth Colony. This version contained a thick crust made of flour, lard, and water, which was then filled with a combination of quahog clams, cream, salt, pepper, and spices. The result was a hearty and flavorful meal that could be easily eaten with just a spoon.
Over the years, the dish has evolved to include a range of different ingredients and variations. Today, you can find versions that contain bacon, chorizo, mushrooms, garlic, and even cheese in addition to the traditional clam filling. These additions allow for a much wider range of flavor profiles, from creamy and comforting to complex and spicy.
In New England, clam pie is often served as a side dish to seafood entrees like lobster or haddock. The pie usually has a very thick crust and the ratio of crust to filling tends to be high, making it an ideal way to soak up all the delicious juices. If the clams are cooked properly, they will have a wonderfully chewy texture and a briny flavor that stands out against the buttery crust.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, clam pies tend to be sweeter and more savory in flavor. This comes from the use of additional ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, as well as the addition of sugar and/or honey to the traditional recipe. The crust is often thinner than that of its New England counterpart, but the combination of sweet and salty flavors makes for an incredibly satisfying experience.
No matter where you enjoy clam pie or what type you prefer, one thing is for sure- it is an incredibly scrumptious treat that is sure to please any palate. So the next time you’re in the mood for something truly delectable, don’t forget about the humble clam pie- it might just surprise you!