Clam Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1/2 cup olive oil, plus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 dried red chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced garlic or 3 large mashed garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup dry wine
• 2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans chopped clams, drained, with liquid reserved
• 1/3 lb mushroom, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lb dried spaghetti
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 tablespoon pimiento, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup romano cheese

Recipe

• 1 put 1/2 cup olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet and slowly heat. add the chili pepper, onion, and garlic. cook slowly about 30 minutes or until the onions are very soft.
• 2 add the basil, oregano, salt and pepper, wine, and clam liquid. continue to simmer until reduced somewhat. keep warm. meanwhile, saute the mushrooms in a tablespoon of butter and add to mixture.
• 3 bring large pot of water to boil. add a tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. cook spaghetti until just al dente.
• 4 as pasta is cooking, add the clams, parsley and 3 tablespoons of cheese to the sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. add olives and pimento, if desired.
• 5 after draining pasta, stir into the sauce and toss. continue to fry and toss for several minutes--this drives moisture from the pasta and gives it texture and flavor.