Clams and Scallions in Bean Soup

• 20–30 small hard-shelled clams
• Salted water
• 1 quart water
• 5–6-

Scrub the shells of the clams with a stiff brush. Then soak the clams in a large bowl of lightly salted cold water (¼ teaspoon salt for every cup) for 30–40 minutes, or until the shells have opened slightly (the clams “breathe” this way). With your hand, stir up the clams and water; the shells will c