Vongole is the Italian word for clam, that is usually used in Italy as an ingredient for pasta and soups, as in Vongola verace or carpet-shell (Ruditapes Decussatus - formerly Venerupis decussata). It is a bivalve, growing up to about 8 cm. and living in the seas between southern Britain and the Mediterranean - they are often known as 'venus shell'. They are particularly popular in France, Portugal and Spain. These clams are also good eaten raw, or treated in any way like oysters.

Small clams used mainly in pasta or sop