Clams and beans

Ingredients:

• 1 tin cannellini beans
• 500g clams
• salt
• 4 tsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 ripe tomato, grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 250ml of white wine (or 125ml brandy)
• 125ml of water
• pepper
• parsley chopped, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Drain the beans and set aside.
2. Wash the clams with cold water and place them in a bowl with plenty of salt to help cleaning.
3. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan and when hot add the garlic and onion and stir until soft. 
4. Add the tomato and bay leaf and fry for a few minutes. 
5. Add the wine, water and clams drained, cover and gently shake the pan over high heat for 3 minutes or until the clams are open.
6. Uncover the pan and add the drained beans and pepper and stir gently for 5 more minutes.
7. Try the food and add salt only if it's needed. Discard any closed clams. 
8. Serve garnished with the parsley.