Steamed Periwinkles

Recipe courtesy of Eating with the Ecosystem from Simmering the Sea

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RECIPE

Serves 4

 Ingredients

2 lbs periwinkles, scrubbed and rinsed
1 cup white wine
2 tbsp finely chopped garlic (Tip: use a microplane)
7 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp fresh parsley, separated into stalks and leaves
½ pound butter, cut into cubes
Salt to taste
1 lemon, cut into quarters
Several slices of crusty sourdough bread for serving

Instructions

Place a large saucepan over high heat on the stove. Mix periwinkles, wine, garlic, thyme, and parsley stalks in a bowl. Once the saucepan is extremely hot, add ingredients and cover. Steam for 2-3 minutes. Remove periwinkles using a slotted spoon and set aside. Lower heat to medium and reduce liquid to ¼ cup, Strain into a saucepan. Over extremely low heat, whisk in butter, a few cubes at a time, until emulsified. Finely chop parsley leaves and add to the saucepan. Season with salt. Place periwinkles in a shallow serving bowl. Pour butter sauce over periwinkles and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread. Use a toothpick to scoop out the flesh from the shells.

You can also make this recipe with clams, littlenecks, whelks, shrimp, mussels, and lobster.