GARLICKY CLAMS AND MUSSELS

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 whole garlic cloves, peeled

2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and de bearded

2 pounds baby clams (littleneck if available), scrubbed

1 stick of butter, cut into tablespoons

2 tablespoons minced garlic, in all

Salt and pepper

1 pounds fresh angel hair pasta

1 cup grated Parmigiana Reggiano cheese

½ cup finely chopped parsley 

Bring a pot of salted water up to a boil. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil and the garlic cloves. When the garlic starts to turn golden discard the cloves, about 2 minutes. Add the mussels and clams to the oil.  Cover the pan and saute the seafood for about 3‑4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, or until the shells open. Remove the pan from the heat and discard any shells that did not open. Pour the seafood into a bowl and set aside. Place the saute pan back on the heat and melt the butter with the minced garlic, over medium‑low heat, about 2 minutes. Drop the pasta in the boiling water and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 2 - 3 minutes.