It takes hard work, long hours and dirty hands to host a true New England clambake. You can lessen the work and speed up the process, however. Use shortcuts when you can. Then you will be able to enjoy your clambake celebration just as much as your guests will.
How do you start a New England Clambake? First, you must travel to the beach and start digging two to three feet down. Next, line the pit with smooth rocks and light a fire. The rocks will heat to around 400 degrees. Then, cover the rocks with seaweed. Add potatoes, corn (with husks) and your clams. Use more seaweed to cover the food. Throw a tarp over the pit and let the food steam for around three hours.
If you are not near a beach, or just don’t want to get that dirty, you can use your stovetop for steaming. A large steel pot replaces the pit. You will still need the seaweed as well as a few gallons of seawater to bring that real beach flavor to your bake. Line the bottom of your pot with small rocks and layer your clams, corn, potatoes and seaweed as you would in the pit. Bring the seawater to a boil and steam for 20 minutes.
The clams can also be grilled without seaweed or seawater, you can also grill the potatoes, though they may first need to be boiled as they take longer to cook then the corn and the clams. Use a charcoal grill and get the coals hot before adding the corn, the clams, and the half-baked potatoes.
No matter how you choose to cook your clams, make sure you are using soft-shell clams, like the cherrystone or littleneck varieties. Don’t use the hard-shelled quahogs. Practice food safety by only serving those clams that steam open on their own. Do not pry the closed shells open. Instead, discard any unopened clams.
Whether you plan to clambake at the beach or at home, there are things that you can do to add to the memories. Throw in a live lobster or two to make a special treat, or perhaps a more hearty meal by throwing in some sausage. Whatever you decide to throw in, make sure and enjoy the unique and memorable New England clambake, and share it with some friends or family.
A few shortcuts will help you enjoy your clambake celebration as much as your guests. When you go to a real New England clambake be prepared to spend the day on the beach. You will need to prepare a 2-3 foot deep fire pit with rocks. A wood fire works best. When the rocks are about 400 degrees start lining the rocks with potatoes, seaweed, and delicious clams. The last step is to cover up the clambake with a tarp and wait for about 3 hours. Throw in a live lobster or two to make a special treat, or perhaps a more hearty meal by throwing in some sausage.
- Matthew Lewis