Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clam Infused Spaghetti Delight?
It is a rich, coastal-inspired seafood pasta dish featuring a savory sauce made from butter, garlic, clam juice, and minced clams.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe originally created by the author's father-in-law, who called it 'Dad's World Famous Spaghetti'.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features a perfect balance of butter, garlic, savory clam juice, fresh thyme, and parsley.
What type of pasta is best for this clam sauce?
The recipe recommends serving the sauce over al dente linguine or spaghetti.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How much garlic should I use?
You should use one large clove of garlic, finely chopped.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are whisked into the butter to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
How much clam juice is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh or canned clam juice.
What kind of clams are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of minced clams, which can be either fresh or canned.
What dried herbs are included in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves.
How much parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of minced parsley.
How long should I saute the garlic?
The garlic should be sauteed for about one minute until fragrant, but not browned.
How should I add the clam juice to the roux?
Slowly pour in the clam juice while whisking continuously to avoid forming lumps.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When do I add the minced clams to the sauce?
Stir in the minced clams after the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes.
How long do the clams cook in the sauce?
The clams should be cooked for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are heated through.
Should the sauce be boiled after adding the clams?
No, you should not let the sauce boil after adding the clams to preserve their delicate flavor.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Italian cuisine and seafood pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: butter, garlic, flour, clam juice, dried thyme, parsley, clams, salt, and black pepper.
What is the suggested garnish?
You can garnish the finished dish with extra minced parsley if desired.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely chopped.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I use fresh clam juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or canned clam juice.
What is the heat setting for melting the butter?
The butter should be melted over moderate heat.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
By whisking the flour into the butter continuously and slowly adding the clam juice while whisking.
Is salt added to the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to taste along with the other seasonings.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried thyme?
This specific recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme leaves.
What is the total simmering time before serving?
The total simmering time is approximately 13-15 minutes (10 minutes for the base and 3-5 minutes with the clams).
Can I serve this with other pasta shapes?
While linguine and spaghetti are recommended, you can serve it over your favorite pasta shape.