Cataplanas

Ingredients

• - 6 large garlic cloves, smashed
  - 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  - 2 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
  - Sea salt
  - 3/4 cup pure olive oil
  - 2 pounds boneless pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  - 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  - 2 cups dry white wine
  - 3 pounds Manila clams or cockles, scrubbed and rinsed
  - 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

THE METHOD

• 1. In a mini food processor, combine the garlic with the paprika, crushed red pepper and 2 teaspoons of salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add 1/4 cup of the pure olive oil and process to a paste. Add the remaining cup of pure olive oil and process until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large bowl, add the pork, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
  
  2. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet. Add the pork and its marinade and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat loses its pink color, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a large bowl, leaving the oil in the skillet. Add the onion to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and boil until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
  
  3. Add the clams to the skillet, cover and cook just until they begin to open, 3 to 4 minutes. Return the pork to the skillet, along with any juices, and cook until the clams are open and the meat is just cooked through, about 2 minutes longer, Sprinkle with the parsley and serve in deep bowls.