Machas a la Parmesana

Ingredients

• 24 fresh clams 24 fresh clams
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Scrub the clams under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the clams and cook until they open, about 5 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
4. 4.
   Remove the clams from their shells and place them on a baking dish.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Spoon the Parmesan mixture over each clam, covering them evenly.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Clams — Make sure to discard any clams that do not open during cooking, as they may be unsafe to consume.
• Parmesan cheese — For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use either store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a hint of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the Parmesan topping before baking.
• Serve the Machas a la Parmesana with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• If you prefer a more golden and crispy topping, broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
• For a richer flavor, drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the clams before adding the Parmesan mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Machas a la Parmesana as an appetizer or part of a seafood feast. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy enjoyment.

Presentation advice

Arrange the baked clams on a large platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top for an attractive presentation. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.