Clams with sherry and ham | Almejas al fino com jamón
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 (based on home cooking experiences)
👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 30 minutes
🥘 Servings: 4-5 (as tapas)
📊 Difficulty Level: Medium
The combination of hams and clams (also known as hams & clams) is a match made in culinary heaven. As a Spanish chef, I've spent years perfecting this clams with sherry and ham recipe, which has become one of the most requested dishes in my repertoire. While some may know similar variations like sherry linguine or serrano ham recipes with pasta, this traditional Spanish preparation truly showcases the pure flavors of clam ham combinations.
What are almejas al fino con jamón?
This classic dish, sometimes simply called fino com clams or ham clams, originates from the coastal regions of Spain. The magic happens when briny clams meet the rich flavors of hot sherry and serrano ham. While many restaurants feature hams and clams menus or hams & clams selections, this homemade version brings the authentic taste of Spain to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the perfect ham and clams (hams clams) combination:
1kg fresh clams, cleaned and purged
100g serrano ham or Jamón Ibérico, finely diced
100ml extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
100ml fino sherry (fino com)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Black pepper to taste
Serving suggestions
The beauty of this hams and clams recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some serving ideas:
Crusty Spanish bread for soaking up the delicious sherry ham sauce
A chilled glass of the same fino used in cooking
As part of a larger tapas spread
Transform it into a main course by serving over sherry linguine
Pair with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
Preparation
Clean the clams thoroughly under cold running water, discarding any that are already open or damaged
Heat the olive oil in a large, wide pan over medium heat
Add the sliced garlic and bay leaves, cooking until the garlic turns golden
Add the diced ham and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly crispy
Sprinkle in the paprika and stir quickly to prevent burning
Add the clams and increase the heat to high
Pour in the fino sherry and cover the pan
Cook for 3-4 minutes until all clams have opened
Finish with fresh parsley and black pepper
Professional tips for perfect hams & clams
Select premium quality serrano ham for authentic al ham flavor
Use fresh clams that are tightly closed for the best clams and ham result
Choose a good quality fino com sherry - it makes a huge difference
Don't overcook the clams as they can become rubbery
Save the hot sherry and clam juice - it's perfect for dipping bread
Storage and reheating
For the best hams and clams experience:
Serve immediately for optimal flavor
If storing, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of sherry
Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture of both the clams and ham.
Recipe variations
While this traditional hams & clams preparation is perfect on its own, you can create variations by:
Adding it to pasta for a serrano ham recipes pasta twist
Creating a richer sauce with additional hot sherry
Using different types of Spanish ham for varied flavors
Incorporating it into other seafood dishes