Deep green flatbreads lay on the right bottom corner, a rich burnt orange saffron-citrus broth covers plump clams, the surface glistening with drops of bright red pomegranate relish. Thinly sliced lemon wheels float around. The top is garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers, giving a pop of color on the warm-toned dish.

Saffron Citrus Clams with Pomegranate Relish

Name: Saffron Citrus Clams with Pomegranate Relish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: fresh clams, 2 pounds rinsed and scrubbed; extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons None; garlic, 2 cloves minced; turmeric, 1 teaspoon None; saffron threads, 1 pinch None; white wine, 1 cup None; lemon, 1 juice and zest; pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup None; small red onion, 1 finely chopped; fresh mint, 1 tablespoon chopped; fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped; thyme, 4 sprigs None; Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste None; soft Middle Eastern flatbreads, 4 None

Category Quick and Easy

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style Middle Eastern

Technique Sauté

Diet Friendly Mediterranean

Daily Recipe: December 18, 2024

This vibrant dish brings a touch of the exotic to your table, channeling the warmth and flavors of the desert. Clams, traditionally a seaside delicacy, are given a Middle Eastern twist, paired with a bright citrus saffron broth and pomegranate. This dish celebrates fresh seasonal produce and marries them beautifully with warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients (for 4)

Fresh clams - 2 pounds - rinsed and scrubbed
Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons - None
Garlic - 2 cloves - minced
Turmeric - 1 teaspoon - None
Saffron threads - 1 pinch - None
White wine - 1 cup - None
Lemon - 1 - juice and zest
Pomegranate seeds - 1/2 cup - None
Small red onion - 1 - finely chopped
Fresh mint - 1 tablespoon - chopped
Fresh parsley - 1 tablespoon - chopped
Thyme - 4 sprigs - None
Sea salt and ground black pepper - to taste - None
Soft middle eastern flatbreads - 4 - None

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍳🧅🌶️

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, turmeric, and saffron and sauté until fragrant.
Step 2 - 🍋🍷🔥

Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and zest and bring to a simmer.
Step 3 - 🍲🔝⏲️

Add the clams to the skillet, cover it and let it cook for 7-10 minutes, or until clams have opened.
Step 4 - 🍎🌿🥣

Combine pomegranate seeds, red onion, mint, and parsley in a small bowl to make the relish.
Step 5 - 🌱🧂🗑️

Season the clams with salt, pepper, and sprigs of thyme. Discard any clams that have not opened.
Step 6 - 🥖🥗🍴

Serve the clams with a spoonful of the pomegranate relish and warm flatbreads on the side.

Additional

Sprinkling edible flowers on top adds a fresh floral note and makes this dish stand out on any table (or Instagram feed!). Kids can have fun helping prepare the pomegranate relish. This recipe is flexible, feel free to add more of your favorite winter produce, and replace the flatbread with rice or couscous.