Vongole

Clams are burrowing bivalves: They dig themselves into ocean or river sediments. A pair of muscular tubes, or siphons, are used for inhaling and exhaling, as the clam needs to be able to reach water from its burrow in order to breathe and feed. Littleneck, or quahog, clams are considered “hard shell” and close completely, while steamers and longnecks are considered “soft shell” and their siphons are much longer than the actual shell.

The burrowing and siphoning musculature makes clams chewy. The tender part of a large clam may be cut out and prepared separately.