PORK AND CLAMS Stolen from E. Lagasse

(Close to typical Portuguese pork & clams)

1/4 cup olive oil (preferably Portuguese)
2 pounds pork loin, boneless and diced into 1‑inch cubes
2 cups chopped onions
2 bay leaves, crumbled
Pinch of crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups dry white wine
2 dozen, little neck clams, scrubbed and purged

Salt and pepper
½ cup chopped parsley

In a large sauté pan, with a lid, over medium heat, add the olive oil. Season the pork with Creole dry seasoning. When the oil is hot, add the pork, in batches, and sear for about 1 minute on each side or 4 minutes total, stirring constantly. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and crumbled bay leaves. Season the onions with salt and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Sauté the onions for about 4 to 6 minutes or until the onions and golden. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste. Deglaze the pan with the wine, scrapping the browned particles from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the liquid for about 2 minutes. Add the seared pork meat to the pan and continue to cook until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. Add the clams and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and cover the pan. Continue to cook for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the clams open their shell. Discard any shells that do not open. Spoon the mixture into shallow bowls and serve with crusty bread.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Options: Serve w/ a Pinot Noir, Zinfandel . . . try the recipe a time of two, seafood & pork is an interesting combination. Obviously, a red, young, Portuguese wine would be an excellent choice.