Shell Fish A La Newburg Recipe

Recipe: Shell Fish A La Newburg

History of Shell Fish A La Newburg:
Shell Fish A La Newburg is a classic seafood dish that originated in the late 19th century in New York City. It was created by Charles Ranhofer, the head chef at Delmonico's, one of the most prestigious restaurants at that time. Ranhofer named the dish after a wealthy New Yorker named Ben Wenberg, who frequented the restaurant and specifically requested a dish made with shellfish and cream. Ranhofer later changed the spelling of Wenberg to Newburg to make it sound more elegant and appealing to the restaurant's clientele.

Fun fact: The dish became extremely popular and was often served as a luxurious delicacy in fancy dining establishments. It was even rumored to be a favorite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Now, let's move on to the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 25 clams (chopped)
- 6 potatoes (sliced)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 or 3 slices of salt pork
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 quart milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the clams: Rinse the clams thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Chop the hard parts of the clams into small pieces and set aside.

2. Cook the salt pork: In a large kettle or pot, place the slices of salt pork and cook over medium heat until the fat begins to render. This will help add flavor to the dish.

3. Add potatoes and onion: Slice the potatoes and onion thinly, and add them to the pot with the salt pork. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the potatoes and onions begin to soften.

4. Season the mixture: Add the chopped clams, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

5. Cook until potatoes are soft: Pour the juice of the clams into the pot and cook the mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and cooked through.

6. Finish with milk: Just before serving, pour the quart of hot milk into the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to let the milk boil.

7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the Shell Fish A La Newburg into bowls or soup plates and serve hot. You can garnish with parsley or serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Similar recipe dishes:
- Lobster Newburg: This is a variation of the original recipe, where lobster meat is used instead of clams. The rest of the ingredients and cooking method remain the same.
- Shrimp Newburg: Another popular variation, this dish uses shrimp instead of clams or lobster. It is often served over rice or pasta.
- Crab Newburg: Similar to the other versions, this dish features crab meat cooked in a creamy Newburg sauce. It is typically served with rice or on a bed of fresh greens.

These variations of the Newburg recipe offer different options for seafood lovers to enjoy the rich and flavorful creamy sauce in combination with their favorite shellfish.