Rinse the clams well, removing any broken shells. Leave them in a large bowl of cold salted water for at least 2 hours. Change the water once or twice removing any sand that has settled to the bottom of the bowl. Rinse and set aside.
Heat some olive oil in a frying pan; therefore, add the garlic. As soon as you smell the garlic, add the clams, half the basil and a little salt. Stir then let the clams open.
Once they are open, add the rest of the basil, stir, pepper and serve immediately.