Linguine ai Frutti di Mare
Ingredients ~
1/2 lb medium shrimp
1/2 lb sea scallops
1/2 lb squid (tubes and/or tentacles)
1/2 lb tilapia fillets (or other firm white fish)
1-1/2 lbs fresh mussels
2 dozen cherrystone clams
1 cup dry white wine
1-1/2 lbs linguine
For the marinara ~
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, very finely chopped
1 28-oz can San Marzano tomatoes, undrained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chiffonade of fresh basil
Preparation ~
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on and arrange on a large platter. Cut the scallops into quarters and add to the platter with the shrimp. Clean the squid if necessary, then slice the tubes into rings, trim any tough parts from the top of the tentacles and add to the platter. Cut the tilapia fillets in half lengthwise, then into bite-sized pieces. Add to the platter, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Rinse the clams and mussels under cool running water. Trim any "beards" protruding from the mussels with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Add 1/2 cup of the wine to a deep, 6 to 7 quart pan. Cover and heat to boiling. Add the clams, cover and cook until all the shells have opened. Using tongs, transfer to a bowl and set aside. Be sure to discard any clams that don't open.
Add the remaining wine to the pan and return to boiling. Add the mussels and cook until all the shells open. Transfer 24 of the mussels to the bowl with the clams and set aside. Be sure to discard any mussels that don't open. Remove the meat from any remaining mussels, place in a small bowl, set aside and discard the empty shells. Strain the broth from the pan into a separate bowl and set aside.
Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the linguine.
Heat the olive oil in the pan you cooked the mussels in over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly golden - do not brown. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved mussel liquid along with the tomatoes and their liquid. Using a wooden spoon, break the tomatoes into small pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add the crushed red pepper. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Begin cooking the pasta according to package directions.
As the marinara sauce continues to simmer, add the squid and shrimp. Coat with sauce and cook for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, just until you see the shrimp start to turn pink. Add the tilapia and shelled mussel meat, coat with sauce again, and continue cooking until the fish begins to turn opaque, 1-1/2 minutes longer. Gently mix in the scallops. Place the clams and reserved mussels in their shells on top. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the scallops are opaque. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.
Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil and arrange on a very large serving platter or divide between 8 individual plates. Using tongs divide the clams and mussels amongst the plates and arrange them around the edges. Spoon the sauce and seafood over the pasta and serve immediately.
Makes 8 servings
