Skip to main content

Steamed Clams With Chickpeas and Green Garlic

Image may contain Food Food Presentation Plate Animal Clam Invertebrate Sea Life Seafood Seashell Dish and Meal
Photo by Elizabeth Cecil

A dead-simple shellfish dish that is pure Erickson: ocean-adoring, dairy-rich, fun to eat.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

2

tablespoons olive oil

2

green garlic bulbs, white and pale-green parts only, or 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1

/2 cup dry white wine

1

cup heavy cream

1

tablespoon fresh lemon juice

4

pounds Manila or littleneck clams, scrubbed

1

(15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed

1

/2 cup crème fraîche

1

/4 cup loosely packed dill

1

/4 cup loosely packed tarragon leaves

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

3

(2x1-inch) strips lemon zest, cut lengthwise into thin strips

Grilled or toasted bread (for serving)

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook garlic, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in cream and lemon juice. Add clams and chickpeas and increase heat to medium-high. Cover and cook, shaking occasionally, until clams open, about 5 minutes; discard any that don’t open. Add crème fraîche and stir until melted into sauce. Add dill and tarragon; season with salt and pepper. Cook about 20 seconds to soften herbs. Top with lemon zest; serve with bread.