CAST-IRON ROASTED CLAMS
From September 2002 Gourmet
Adapted from a recipe of Chef Jody Adams
3 lb medium (3- to 4-inch) red potatoes
16 garlic cloves, peeled
3 small red onions (3/4 lb total), quartered lengthwise,
leaving root end intact
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 3/4 lb plum tomatoes (10 to 12), halved lengthwise
40 small hard-shelled clams (4 lb) such as littlenecks
(less than 2 inches wide), scrubbed well
1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment: a 14-inch cast-iron skillet with lid, or
a 17- by 12-inch heavy roasting pan (preferably dark metal)
and heavy-duty foil
Preheat oven to 500°F.
Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices and toss with
garlic, onions, oil, salt, and pepper in skillet (or
roasting pan). Roast in middle of oven until potatoes begin
to brown, about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes, tossing to
combine, and roast until skins wrinkle and split, about 10
minutes. Add clams and red pepper flakes and roast, covered
with lid (or tightly covered with foil), until clams are
fully open, 6 to 10 minutes. (Discard any clams that have
not opened after 10 minutes.) Sprinkle with parsley and
serve in skillet.
Makes 4 main-course servings.