Splash Style Steamed Clams

In Pismo Beach, CA, there is our favorite clam chowder place called "Splash". They have amazing clam chowder and steamed clams dish that we just HAVE TO have whenever we visit Pismo Beach. We bought tons of clams at Costco a few days ago and decided to make steamed clams for dinner. It tasted pretty similar to the ones at Splash. If you're a seafood lover, you will fall in love with this amazing clam dish.
Steamed Clams

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cored and seeded, diced small
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon paprika, plus a pinch
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon basil
2/3 cup red cooking wine
2 lbs littleneck clams, washed, about 3 cups
1 lemon, juiced or 2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
toasted or grilled bread of your choice

Direction:

Coat a large nonstick pot with oil and set over medium heat. When the oil is heated, add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and tomatoes and stir occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the paprika, red pepper flakes, and basil, and wine and simmer about 10 minutes.

Add clams and stir with a large spoon so they are well coated with sauce. Squeeze in the lemon or add 2 tbsp lemon juice. Add parsley and stir. Close the lid to the pot and simmer about 15 minutes. (Don't peek! Let it simmer)

Discard any unopen clams at this point. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite kind of bread.