Razor clams with chorizo recipe

Hugh cooks razor clams with chorizo using sustainable supplies from the Hebrides

Also known as razor fish, razor clams are wonderful, succulent shellfish.

Serves 4 as a starter

• 16 razor clams
• A chunk of chorizo sausage, about 15og
• 75g unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 glass of white wine
• A handful of parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to make razor clams with chorizo

1. Heat a large, deep frying pan or wide, shallow saucepan over a high heat.

2. Thickly slice or roughly chop the chorizo and fry in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes.

3. Add the butter and a dash more olive oil.

4. Scrub the clams well in cold water.

5. Add the garlic, the chilli, if using, and the clams to the pan with the chorizo.

6. Toss the clams in the butter, then let them fry for a couple of minutes until they start to open.

7. Pour in the wine and let it bubble for a further minute.

8. Then add the parsley and season with salt and pepper.

Palourdes and other clams

9. By this time, all the clams should be open (discard any that stay firmly shut) and the flesh perfectly cooked.

10. Serve the clams in warmed dishes, with the delicious cooking liquor spooned over them. Some good bread for mopping juice is essential.