Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
4
servings
4 tbsp

extra-virgin olive oil

1 unit

red onion

thinly sliced

4 cloves

garlic

thinly sliced

2 oz

prosciutto

cut into 1/8-inch dice

1 lb

tiny clams

scrubbed and rinsed

1 cup

dry white wine

1 cup

chicken stock

1 dash

saffron

0.5 cup

Basic Tomato Sauce

1 lb

dried fregula

1 tbsp

hot chili flakes

1 bunch

Italian parsley

leaves removed but whole

Step 1
~5 min

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tbsp salt.

Step 2
~5 min

In a 12- to 14-inch frying pan, heat 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil to smoking over medium-high heat.

Step 3
~5 min

Add thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced garlic, and 2 oz diced prosciutto; sauté until softened.

Step 4
~5 min

Add 1 lb scrubbed and rinsed clams (cockles or manilas), 1 cup dry white wine, a dash of saffron, 1 cup chicken stock, and 1/2 cup Basic Tomato Sauce; bring to a boil.

Step 5
~5 min

Meanwhile, cook 1 lb dried fregula according to package instructions (approximately 20 minutes).

Step 6
~5 min

Drain the cooked fregula and add it to the clam pot.

Step 7
~5 min

Cook until the texture and liquidity resemble risotto.

Step 8
~5 min

Add 1 tbsp hot chili flakes and a bunch of chopped Italian parsley.

Step 9
~5 min

Stir through and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use fresh, high-quality clams for the best flavor.

Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your desired level of spiciness.

Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The tomato sauce can be made ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Pair with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Green Salad
Crusty Bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Sardinia, Italy

Cultural Significance

Fregula is a traditional pasta from Sardinia.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Family gatherings
Summer celebrations

Occasion Tags

weeknight dinner
casual gathering

Popularity Score

65/100

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