Cape Fear Spring Zuppa
Now that oyster season is closed and the weather is warming up, oystermen have turned to clamming or shrimping. And some of these early birds have already brought in good catches.
During the past couple of weeks, I saw smaller but good catches of local shrimp. When I can get heads on shrimp, I like to use them. They have a more intense flavor. Don’t worry, though. You may also use heads off shrimp, if you need to, and this dish will still be delicious.
As for clams, if you make sure they’re local, you can’t go wrong.
For a simple but outstanding recipe, I like to make this treat regularly. You may add any of your favorite ingredients to personalize it and help knock it out of the park.
For you and your wife, guest, girlfriend, etc. you will need:
1 bottle of your favorite chardonnay
1 lb. heads on shrimp
2 dozen little or middle neck clams (washed)
1 large purple onion (julienned)
5 cloves garlic (sliced)
2 bay leaves
1 very small fresh sprig rosemary (pull leaves off stem)
1 large red tomato (diced)
1 lemon cut in half (for juice)
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
olive oil
Get a large sauté pan hot and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wash and dry the clams, and then add to the sauté pan and cover for 3 minutes.
Next add the onion, garlic, and rosemary. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes.
First make sure your veggies aren’t burning, and then add the shrimp to the pan. Turn the shrimp after 3 minutes, and then continue to cook and gently stir for 3 more minutes.
Now add 1/2 cup white wine and seafood spice.
Cook until the clams open and the shrimp are orange or pink. Finish by adding fresh-diced tomatoes and a squeeze or two of lemon juice.
Serve with a lot of garlic bread and a small garden salad.
Eat American Seafood!
Chef Danny H.
Danny Hieronymus was born and raised in Wrightsville Beach into a commercial fishing family and has been catching fish throughout NC all his life. He has also been cooking with his mother since he was 8 years old in the family restaurant. He can be reached at capefearcookin@yahoo.com.
