You can start preparing for an Italian epicurean adventure with this exclusive “Italian Touch” recipe from Uniworld’s Culinary Director, Bernhard Zorn, who has earned the prestigious title of Global Master Chef from the World Association of Chefs Societies after over 30 years of culinary experience.
Preparation:
Lightly crush the garlic cloves and heat with both oils in a large nonreactive sauté pan over medium heat until the garlic starts to sizzle. Adjust the heat so the garlic continues to cook evenly in the oil, releasing its own essential oils, and softens but does not brown for about 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and carefully blend with the oil. Season with salt.
Continue to cook slowly, stirring from time to time, until the squash is completely softened and starts to break apart but does not brown for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest in the oil for 2 hours. Pour into a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the zucchini and oil separately. Keep the same pan, without cleaning, to cook the clams.
Heat the zucchini oil in the pan over medium heat until it starts to sizzle. Add the clams, cover the pan, and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook the clams, gently shaking the pan from time to time, until they start to open for 5 to 6 minutes. Cooking time will vary, depending on the size of the clams and the thickness of the shells. Add the reserved zucchini, hot pepper flakes, and parsley. Gently stir with the clams. Set aside.
Boil the linguine in an abundant amount of salted water until done to taste. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the linguine, adding a little of the pasta water so that the zucchini and pan liquid coat the pasta like a sauce.
Transfer to a warm serving platter or individual pasta bowls. Start with the pasta, then top with the clams and zucchini. Serve immediately—with extra hot pepper flakes on the side.
Now, imagine eating delicious meals like this one 3 times a day on your luxurious river cruise adventure! Book your 2013 Uniworld Boutique River Cruise (ranked one of the “World’s Best Cruise Lines” by readers ofCondé Nast Traveler ) with me today for exclusive savings & perks!