Merguez Sausage And Steamed Clams (James Beard) | Untested Recipes | Umami

Ingredients

• Sofrito:
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 chile de arbol
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 2 cups finely diced mixed peppers, such as red, green, and pasilla
• 2 cups finely diced sweet onions
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 large ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 cup dry sherry
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Merguez Sausage:
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pinch crushed chile de árbol or cayenne pepper
• Pepper to taste
• 24 clams, preferably Olde Salt littlenecks or other littleneck clams