Reader’s Digest says this dish defines comfort in Rhode Island. Do you agree?

 

Rin Velasco

USA TODAY NETWORK - New England

Comfort food means a lot of different things to people in Rhode Island.

The Ocean State has a lot of local eats that just hit the special spot. Foods like johnnycakes, pizza strips, and doughboys from Iggy's mean so much more than just satisfying your hunger. Eating them can feel like home.

As part of Reader's Digest's America the Tasty 2025: Comfort Food from Every State list, the publication said that one Rhode Island dish in particular signals that type of comfort more than anything else.

"See if you agree with your state’s pick … or find a new personal favorite on this list," Reader's Digest said.

Here's what Reader's Digest picked as Rhode Island's top comfort food.

Reader's Digest says stuffies are Rhode Island's top comfort food

Reader's Digest chose stuffies as Rhode Island's number one comfort food because of how the making of the savory treats can bring Ocean State families together.

Here's what Reader's Digest said about it: "Rhode Islanders make this coastal comfort a family affair, harvesting fresh quahog clams, then stuffing them with a delectable filling of briny steamed clams, smoked Portuguese sausage and seasoned bread crumbs. A simple squeeze of lemon takes them over the top."

 

What are stuffies

Stuffies are the regional name for Rhode Island baked stuffed quahog clams and are a state tradition, the Visit Rhode Island website said.

"A quahog (pronounced kwa-hog) is a hard clam, available year-round in Rhode Island waters and harvested to make favorite dishes such as clam chowder and stuffies," the website said. "Quahogs are inherently nutritious—high in selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins."

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.