Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 cup sherry
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 (12-ounce) package chorizo sausages, sliced
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
  • 3 large red potatoes, diced
  • 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 sourdough baguette, sliced
  • 24 littleneck clams, well-scrubbed and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Method

  • Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat just until warm. Stir in garlic. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes.
  • Combine saffron and sherry in a small bowl.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, and cook 4 minutes or until browned on all sides. Transfer chorizo to a plate.
  • Add onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and paprika to Dutch oven. Saute 5 minutes or until softened but not browned. Stir in sherry mixture, clam juice, and next 4 ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Brush baguette slices with garlic oil, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until golden.
  • Stir clams into stew, cover, and simmer 5 to 6 minutes or until clams are fully opened. (Discard any that do not.) Stir in chorizo and orange zest. Cook until thoroughly heated. Serve with garlic toast.