Steamed cockles are a simple but flavourful dish, ideal for enjoying the authentic taste of the sea. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to a seafood meal. With just a few ingredients and a quick preparation, you will surprise your guests with this fresh and natural delicacy.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh cockles
- 1 large lemon (cut in half)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small glass of dry white wine
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coarse salt to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Elaboration:
- Before starting, it is essential to clean the cockles thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl with cold water and a handful of coarse salt. Leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes, changing the water a couple of times, so that they release all the sand they may contain. Then drain and rinse them under cold water.
- While the cockles are being cleaned, peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. In a large pan, add a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic over a low heat, avoiding burning them so that they do not turn bitter. Once browned, add the bay leaf.
- Add the drained cockles to the pan and stir gently so that the garlic and bay leaf flavour permeates the cockles. Add the small glass of white wine and cover the pan with a lid. Cook over a medium-high heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cockles open. It is important not to overcook them, as they will become tough.
- Remove from the heat as soon as all the cockles have opened. Discard any that have not opened, as they may not be safe to eat. Squeeze half a lemon over the cockles and drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil over the cockles to give them a final touch of freshness and brightness.
- If you wish, you can sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley for a touch of colour and aroma.
- Advice:
- For a spicy touch, add a dried chilli pepper to the fried garlic.
- Accompany the steamed cockles with slices of toasted bread to dip in the juice left in the casserole.
There's nothing like the simplicity of steamed cockles to enjoy all the flavour of the sea at home. Go ahead and prepare them!
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