Bebbux Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh snails 500g (1.1 lb) fresh snails
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 250ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the snails thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Rinse them under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to combine.
4. 4.
   Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Add the cleaned snails to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the snails are tender.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and garnish the stew with fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bebbux Stew hot with crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Snails — Ensure that the snails are thoroughly cleaned before cooking. Rinse them under cold water and remove any dirt or debris.

Tips & Tricks

• If fresh snails are not available, you can use canned snails as a substitute.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the stew during the cooking process.
• Serve the Bebbux Stew with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the pot towards the end of the cooking time.
• Leftover Bebbux Stew can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Bebbux Stew in individual bowls, accompanied by warm crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the Bebbux Stew in rustic earthenware bowls to showcase the traditional Maltese origins of the dish. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a sprig of fresh herbs for an inviting and authentic presentation.