Caracóis à Algarvia

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) snails 500g (1.1 lb) 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
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving Crusty bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, paprika, cumin, oregano, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Gently add the cleaned snails to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the snails with the aromatic mixture.
5. 5.
   Pour enough water into the pot to cover the snails. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the snails are tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Caracóis à Algarvia hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Snails — Ensure that the snails are thoroughly cleaned before cooking. Soak them in water with a bit of vinegar for a few hours to help remove any impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find fresh snails, you can use canned snails as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your personal taste preferences.
• Serve the stew with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
• Make sure to have plenty of crusty bread on hand to soak up the flavorful broth.
• This dish is best enjoyed with friends and family, so invite loved ones over for a cozy gathering.

Serving advice

Serve Caracóis à Algarvia in a large communal dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. Provide small forks or toothpicks for easy snail extraction. Accompany the stew with a basket of warm crusty bread for dipping.

Presentation advice

Present the Caracóis à Algarvia in a rustic clay pot or a deep serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a side of crusty bread and lemon wedges for an inviting and appetizing presentation.