Preparation -
Mussels -In a pot cover with tap water & 2 tbs flour & set aside to help remove any sand deposits.
Clams - In a pot cover with water & 2 tbs flour & set aside to help remove any sand deposits.
Red onion - Peel, discard ends and finely chop.
Tomatoes - Peel, discard woody top and dice.
Celery - Discard bottom white end and chop.
Garlic cloves - Smash, discard skin and roughly chop.
Parsley - Separate leaves from stalk. Finely chop the leaves.
Cooking Method -
Turn on the oven broiler.
In a large dutch oven or deep saute pan (with a tight fitting lid), heat olive oil on medium-high heat till almost fuming.
Add garlic followed by onion & celery & red pepper flakes. Saute for about 5 minutes till onions have softened but not brown.
Add the diced tomatoes & thyme sprigs. Saute for about 3 minutes till softened.
Add the tomato sauce, wine, salt & sugar Increase heat and bring to a rolling boil.
Meanwhile, wash and scrub the mussels and clams getting rid of the water and flour. Set aside.
Once the soup is boiling, add the mussels and clams. Stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and cook for about 9-10 minutes.
Cook's Note - The clams will take 3-4 minutes longer than the mussels to cook & open up. Stir once during cooking time.
Meanwhile, arrange sliced bread in a single layer on cookie sheet or baking tray and place in the oven. Toast on each side for 2-3 minutes turning over to toast both sides to a crisp golden brown.
Remove the hot toasts from the oven and rub the garlic clove over the bread. It melts on the bread like butter infusing it with a wonderful garlicky flavor.
Once the mussels & clams have cooked they will open. At this point, discard any that have not opened. Taste and adjust seasonings in the soup.
Divide the mussels & clams to serving bowls. Top with soup. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with the toasted bread slices on the side.