Clam Pan Roast

- Amanda

The pan roast, a model of ease, an emblem of the robust fare of old, is a favorite of mine. Most of the pan roasts I’ve had in my life have involved oysters, and fair enough, the oyster loves to be slathered in butter and laid upon a drift of toast. But it was time for the clam to get a chance at the pan roast.

James Beard’s pan roast calls for 3/4 cup of butter to poach the oysters. You are welcome to take that route, but be ready to lie prone on the sofa afterward. I opted, instead, to steam open the clams with just a slick of butter in the pan to mingle with the clam juices, and later added a shot of cream with paprika, herbs, and the seasoning pinch hitter, Worcestershire sauce.

Clams Pan Roast

Serves 2 for lunch; 4 as a light first course

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 12 to 16 littleneck clams, scrubbed
  
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  
• 1/8 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
  
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley
  
• 4 to 8 toast points
• Lemon wedges
•  

See the full recipe (and save and print it) here.