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Have you ever had a Portuguese seafood stew? If not, you’re in for a treat today because I made a Portuguese seafood stew with clams recently that is absolutely TO. DIE. FOR. I’m talking about a time-stopping sort of deliciousness that will make you weak in the knees. I swear it is that good.
Now there are many types of Portuguese seafood stew and basically, they’re all good. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. I mean what’s not to like about fish and shellfish in different combinations with classic Portuguese ingredients like linguica, chourico, tomatoes, different wines, vinegar, fiery peppers, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices?
That’s a rhetorical question, obviously.
The recipe I made was for a Portuguese clam stew which I adapted from a recipe in the fantastic cookbook, Provincetown Seafood Cookbook by the legendary chef, Howard Mitcham.
Originally published in 1975, the book was given a second life recently with an updated introduction by the late great Anthony Bourdain.
Find The Provincetown Seafood Cookbook here.
This book quickly became my all-time favorite seafood cookbook. Not surprisingly, my favorite chapter is the “Beautiful Soups and Stews” chapter which showcases classic New England dishes with a wide variety of ethnic influences.
But it’s not just the recipes but also the history and colorful stories of the fishermen, chefs, and everyday people of Cape Cod and their deep love and connection to the sea. A big part of that history is influenced by the Portuguese who immigrated to Massachusetts in large numbers in the late 19th century to work in the fishing industry.
Mitcham includes a great chapter on the influence of the Portuguese and of course, Portuguese recipes dot the book including a Portuguese mussel stew, squid stew, and a recipe called Ameijos Na Cataplana which translates as “clams in a cataplana” which Mitcham says is “one of the world’s great seafood dishes.”
I couldn’t agree more.
This is the recipe I made and adapted below. Basically, I simplified it (Mitchum’s recipe is quite complex) and added and subtracted a few different ingredients that my intuition said would work. But I also made one important change that I think even Mitcham would approve of. I used clam broth as a base instead of fish stock.
But not just any old store-bought clam broth.
1. Use fresh clams and make your own clam broth
Now don’t get me wrong. You can use canned clams and bottled clam juice. It will still be a delicious recipe and it will certainly simplify things. If you choose this route, I would recommend Bar Harbor brand clam juice, the best store-bought clam juice on the market.
That said, there’s a difference between delicious and TO DIE FOR DELICIOUS. I’m telling you it just elevates things to another dimension when you make your own clam broth. That salty and briny flavor will infuse the stew with a beautiful background flavor of the sea. It’s why I love this recipe so much. And the clams themselves, if you make them properly, will be less rubbery and of course, fresher tasting than canned clams.
2. Use littleneck clams and steam them first
You could steam the clams in the stew itself however, you risk getting some of the sand and grit from the shell into the stew. That’s why I do it separately.
Littlenecks are the smallest type of hardshell clams and are the best to use for this Portuguese seafood stew. Larger hardshell clams like cherrystones and quahogs are better for chowders but you could use them too.
You’ll want about 12 littlenecks per person. That would equate to about 6-8 cherrystones or 4-6 quahogs, depending on their size.
Here’s a little video I made for steaming clams and making your own clam broth. I used cherrystone clams but the process is the same if you were to use littleneck clams.
For littleneck clams, simply put about 1 – 1/2 cups of water in a 5-6 quart stockpot, bring it to a boil and then put the clams in the pot and cover the pot. They’ll take about 5-10 minutes to open.
Stir them around once or twice in the first few minutes to steam them evenly so they open around the same time. The liquor/juice inside the clams will release into the water and give it a packed punch of briny flavor that is just so delicious. But remember, once they start to open, remove them right away. They get tough fast if you overcook them by even a minute so you have to watch them closely.
Pick them out with some kitchen tongs if they open at different times (which is likely) and set them aside to cool for a few minutes. Strain the clam broth from any bits of sand and grit and reserve it. When the clams are not too hot to touch, remove the clam meats from the shells. Chop the meats into smaller pieces if you want. Personally, I like to add them to the stew in whole form but that’s just me.
Adapted from The Provincetown Seafood Cookbook this classic Portuguese seafood stew features fresh littleneck clams, clam broth, tomatoes, chorizo sausage, white wine, onions, peppers, garlic and fresh herbs and spices.
Add about 1 ½ cups water to medium stockpot and bring it to a boil. Add the clams, cover and remove once the shells open, about 5 – 10 minutes. Strain the clam broth and reserve. You’ll get about 2 ½ cups clam broth give or take a half cup either way. Let the clams cool for a few minutes and then remove the clam meats and chop, if desired.
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium stock pot and add chourico sausage. Saute about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir often to prevent burning.
Craig Fear is the creator of Fearless Eating and the author of three books, The 30-Day Heartburn Solution, Fearless Broths and Soups and The Thai Soup Secret. After years helping clients with digestive issues, Craig decided to pursue writing full-time. He intends to write many more books on broths and soups from around the world! Click here to learn more about Craig.
