Clams in Lavender Broth

I love my lavender. I have several varieties growing, primarily the culinary English lavenders. It’s great in sweet dishes and beverages, but it also makes a delicious savory dish.

The broth in this dish is made with the delicate flavors of shallots, a touch of garlic and some lavender, both flowers and leaves. It’s a simple dish that can be an appetizer or your main course – depending on your appetite! This recipe is for 2 dozen clams.

Here’s How to Do it:

First wash the clams gently to rinse any sand or debris off of the shells. Any that do not close should be discarded. Usually a light tap on the top of the shell closes them up. Set them in a dish in the refrigerator.

Cut the bacon into chunks and cook in a heavy, deep skillet until crisp. Remove from the pan to paper towels.

Pour off the excess bacon fat but do not wash the pan.

Add the olive oil to the pan and gently heat.

Next, add the garlic and shallots

and gently sauté until they become translucent, but not brown. Stir in the pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

Pour in the water, sherry vinegar and lavender sprigs to the pan, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer it all for about 3-5 minutes. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Place the clams into the hot water and cover, leaving it simmer on low. The water should not be boiling, but still steaming.

Let the clams steam in the lavender broth, covered, for about 5 to 10 minutes. They will be wide open and the meat loosened from the shell. If they do not open, discard them.

Serve the clams

with the broth in a large bowl with a chunk of crusty bread.

Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and a sprig of lavender.

© Copyright 2021 The Lazy Gastronome

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Clams in Lavender Broth

An easy dish that is delicious - makes a great appetizer or main dish.

Course: Appetizer, appetizers, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broth, clams, garlic, lavender, poached egg, shallots, soup, steam

Servings: 24 clams

Author: HelenFern

Ingredients

• 24 medium clams (I used Manilla clams)
• 6 to 8 slices bacon
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon shallots, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2-1/2 cup water
• 1-1/2 Tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 6-8 sprigs fresh, culinary grade lavender

Instructions

1. First wash the clams gently to rinse any sand or debris off of the shells. Any that do not close should be discarded. Usually a light tap on the top of the shell closes them up. Set them in a dish in the refrigerator.

2. Cut the bacon into chunks and cook in a heavy, deep skillet until crisp. Remove from the pan to paper towels.

3. Pour off the excess bacon fat but do not wash the pan. 

4. Add the olive oil to the pan and gently heat.

5. Next, add the garlic and shallots and gently sauté until they become translucent, but not brown. Stir in the pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

6. Pour in the water, sherry vinegar and lavender sprigs to the pan, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer it all for about 3-5 minutes. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Place the clams into the hot water and cover, leaving it simmer on low. The water should not be boiling, but still steaming.

8. Let the clams steam in the lavender broth, covered, for about 5 to 10 minutes. They will be wide open and the meat loosened from the shell. If they do not open, discard them.

9. Serve the clams with the broth in a large bowl with a chunk of crusty bread.  Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces.

Recipe Notes

© Copyright 2021 The Lazy Gastronome

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