Rhode Island “Stuffies” Stuffed Clams Recipe
Also known as “stuffies,” these stuffed clams, flavored with onion, celery, and green pepper, are a signature Rhode Island dish.
When preparing clams, many prefer to remove the dark stomachs for aesthetic reasons. It’s also popular to bake the mixture in littleneck clam shells. You may also want to make a double batch so you can freeze half to keep on hand for unexpected company. Don’t have fresh clams? Canned clams substitute nicely.
Yield: Serves 6-8.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped littleneck (quahog) clams and liquid
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash of black pepper
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
12 Ritz crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Paprika
Instructions
Remove stomachs from clams and grind clams in a food mill or chop them by hand until you have 1 cup of clams and liquid.
Cook onion, celery, and green pepper in 4 tablespoons butter until vegetables are tender, but not brown.
Stir in flour, cheese, and seasonings. Add 1/4 cup of crushed crackers, and mix well.
Stir in clams with their liquid, and cook and stir until mixture is thick and bubbly. Divide mixture among 15 to 18 littleneck clam shells, or 10 to 12 larger clam shells, or spoon into a casserole dish (as a last resort).
Combine remaining crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over filled shells. Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.