Gluten Free Clams and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

I recently went back home to Los Gatos, California and was sad to see that one of my favorite restaurants had closed. It was called Café Marcella and it was one of those places with great food, an extensive wine list, and the perfect combination of hip and fabulous mixed with a comfortable, neighborhood-like vibe.

One item on the menu that intrigued me for years was an appetizer of steamed clams and mashed potatoes. I would look at it every time I was in there but couldn’t quite decide if it would be gross or amazing.

On one blustery evening I arrived cold, wet and feeling emotionally drained, desperately in need of comfort food. The pasta dishes were calling my name but a gluten reaction was the last thing I needed. I took a leap of faith and ordered the clams and mashed potatoes. It was just the thing to warm my body and soul. It became my favorite item on the menu.

The fluffy potatoes were the perfect gluten-free vehicle for the buttery, winey sauce and complemented the tangy, sweet clams. It was pure comfort in a bowl.

Alas, I never asked for the recipe so I came up with my own Gluten Free Clams and Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe

Gluten Free Clams and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time35 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 411kcal

Author: Gluten Free & More

Ingredients

Potatoes

• ▢ 6 large baking potatoes – peeled and cut into cubes
• ▢ Sea or kosher salt
• ▢ ½ cup hot milk
• ▢ ½ stick butter
• ▢ Splash heavy cream or half-and-half – optional

Clams

• ▢ 6 dozen clams
• ▢ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – use divided
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 small shallot - minced
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic – minced
• ▢ 1 bottle dry white wine

Optional Garnishes

• ▢ 1 bunch Italian parsley - finely chopped
• ▢ Zest of 1 large lemon – grated
• ▢ Freshly cracked black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Potatoes

• ▢
  Put potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add plenty of salt (a big palm full; you'll want the water to be a bit salty). Cover pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 - 25 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender. Drain water and return pot to the burner and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or 2 to dry out the potatoes. Do this just until the pot stops steaming. This will give you nice, fluffy mashed potatoes.
• ▢
  Mash with about 1 teaspoon of salt with a potato masher or hand mixer on low – medium speed. Add hot milk and butter and whip with hand mixer on high until very smooth. Add heavy cream or half-and-half if using. Note that you may have to adjust the milk to get the potatoes to the desired consistency, so it is best to add a bit at a time until they are just the way you like them. You can keep the potatoes warm by putting them in a bowl over a big pot of simmering water while you prepare the clams.

Clams

• ▢
  Wash and scrub the clams.
• ▢
  In a large pot over medium heat melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 3 or 4 minutes until they are translucent. Add the clams and pour over the bottle of wine. Turn heat up to high, cover the pot and bring to a boil. Steam clams for about 5 minutes or until the clams just open. With a slotted spoon remove the clams from the pot to a large bowl. Discard any that do not open. Cover with foil to keep warm.
• ▢
  Boil the wine mixture for about 4 or 5 minutes to reduce it a little. Whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
• ▢
  Divide the potatoes between six bowls or deep plates. Top each serving with clams. Ladle the sauce over each serving. Top with any or all garnishes and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Gluten Free Clams and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 411 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 32mg11%

Sodium 41mg2%

Potassium 1023mg29%

Carbohydrates 44g15%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 395IU8%

Vitamin C 13.2mg16%

Calcium 68mg7%

Iron 2.3mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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