Littleneck Clam Soup with Butter Beans and Saffron

Name: Littleneck Clam Soup with Butter Beans and Saffron
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/3 cup finely diced Serrano ham or prosciutto (2 ounces); 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fine dry bread crumbs; Two 15-ounce cans butter beans with their liquid; Pinch of dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Large pinch of saffron threads; 2 tablespoons water; Freshly ground pepper; 3 dozen littleneck clamsscrubbed and shucked, liquor reserved; 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Servings: persons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup finely diced Serrano ham or prosciutto (2 ounces)
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fine dry bread crumbs
Two 15-ounce cans butter beans with their liquid
Pinch of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Large pinch of saffron threads
2 tablespoons water
Freshly ground pepper
3 dozen littleneck clamsscrubbed and shucked, liquor reserved
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

1
In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
2
Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
3
Add the ham and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4
Stir in the bread crumbs, then add the beans and their liquid along with the thyme and bay leaf and bring to a boil.
5
In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads into the water.
6
Add to the beans and season with pepper.
7
Simmer the soup over low heat for 15 minutes.
8
Increase the heat to high, add the clams and their reserved liquor and cook for 3 minutes.
9
Discard the bay leaf.
10
Sprinkle the soup with the parsley and serve.

215

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 1/3 cup finely diced Serrano ham or prosciutto (2 ounces), 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Littleneck Clam Soup with Butter Beans and Saffron falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!