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Spaghetti alle vongole
Soak the clams in cold salted water for an hour, changing the water once, so they release their sand. Discard any with broken shells or that stay open when tapped.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Spaghetti alle vongole take?
1 hr 30 min all in — 15 min prep, 15 min cook, 1 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Shellfish. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian, Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp (for the pasta water only).
What can I use instead?
Vongole veraci → Other small clams or cockles. Cockles are sandier; purge them longer.
Any tips from this recipe?
Taste before salting: the clam juice is already salty. Serve a little of the juice on each plate and bread to mop it, not cheese.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.