Almejas a la Marinera Recipe (Cantabrian Sailor-Style Clams)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh small clams (Manila or littleneck), scrubbed and rinsed
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (Albariño or similar)
• 1/4 cup fish stock (or clam juice)
• 1 large ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp sweet Spanish paprika (pimentón dulce)
• 1/8 tsp smoked Spanish paprika (pimentón ahumado)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 slice rustic bread, toasted and crumbled (for thickening, optional)