Caracoles a la Llauna is a Spanish dish; if I explain it simply, it means “snails baked in a dish.” This traditional recipe is important because it has a rich cultural history. Now, it’s time to find out how to make Caracoles a la Llauna with easy steps.
Before starting the recipe, I want to share a bit of history. In Spain, snails were commonly eaten at home, especially during the summer & spring seasons when different recipes were made using them.
The recipe I will share now is old, but I will teach you how to make it with some new additions and a more straightforward method.
Contents
Ingredients For Caracoles a la Llauna
Snail & Their Preparation
The most important ingredient in this dish is snails. The type of snail that people most commonly add to this dish is Helix aspersa. When I tried this recipe, I used garden snails. You can use any snail, but make sure they are completely clean and safe to eat.
To prepare them, you must place the snails in cornmeal or flour a few days before cooking. Since they live in water, they tend to have dust and dirt on them, so soaking them in cornmeal or flour helps clean them out effectively.
Other Ingredients
Note: These ingredients quantity is for 1 pound of snails
- Olive oil: 4 Tablespoon
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Onion: 1 medium onion
- Tomatoes: 1 cup (fresh or canned)
- Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Herbs: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper 1 teaspoon ( or according to taste)
How To Prepare Caracoles a la Llauna: Easy Steps
1) Prepare Snails
The first and most important step, which I mentioned earlier, is preparing the snails. I’ll repeat it: to clean the snails, place them in a container with flour or cornmeal. This will help eliminate the dirt inside them.
After a few days, take them out and wash them in fresh water. This will also clean away any remaining impurities.
2) Make Sauce
Pick up a skillet and set it over medium heat. Then, add olive oil; I mentioned using 4 tablespoons, but remember that there should be enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic when the oil is hot. Stir them gently with a cooking spoon. You only need to cook them until the onion becomes soft & clear and the garlic releases a nice aroma. This adds great flavor to your dish.
Add Tomatoes & Combine With Snails
Next, add fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic & onion. Stir all three ingredients well & cook them a bit. You only need to cook them until the tomatoes become soft & juicy.
Once the tomatoes reach this condition, add salt, pepper, and paprika. You can adjust these spices according to your taste.
After completing the previous steps, it’s important to taste the mixture. Tasting while cooking is an important step because if we try to fix something after the recipe is complete, it could ruin the dish and effort.
Then, carefully add the snails & coat them well in the mixture. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. Cook it gently without letting it boil too much. Here, the more difficult part of the recipe is complete, but it’s not finished yet.
3) Combine Ingredients & Cooking
It’s time to move to the baking process after preparing the sauce. Carefully transfer the mixture into a baking dish, & use a spoon or spatula to even the surface. By smoothing the surface, all the snails will be nicely covered in the sauce.
Baking
You need to turn on the oven now. Adjust it to 350°F or 180°C. When the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking dish therein. Bake it for twenty to twenty-five minutes. The sauce will start boiling during this time, and the snails will soften.
Garnishing
Once it’s baked, take the dish out of the oven. Because the dish will be hot, make sure to use gloves. To make it even better, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor & presentation.
Related: How Long To Cook Pizza
Unique & Creative Caracoles a la Llauna Serving Methods
1) Straight From Dish
Caracoles a la Llauna are perfectly served directly out of the baking dish. In this manner, guests can help themselves. Take little dishes called ramekins to present them in a prettier manner. You can give each person a small portion.
2) Serve With Bread
This is a great idea to serve it with bread, as most people prefer bread with saucy dishes.
3) With Drinks
You can also serve it with a drink. In Spain, most people prefer white wine. If you like red wine, you can try something lighter like Garnacha.
4) Without Alcohol
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, lemonade is the best choice. Serving it with lemonade will not only be refreshing but will also look cool!
How Caracoles a la Llauna a Healthy Recipe
- Snails are rich in protein, which is important in improving and building tissues. Many human body functions rely on protein, making this dish a healthy choice.
- Snails contain iron, which aids in producing red blood cells & prevents anemia. Iron is an important in oxygen transport to maintain energy & oxygen levels.
Cooking Caracoles a la Llauna may promote iron consumption and promote healthy blood systems.
- This dish offers low-fat and low-calorie options that appeal to people looking to maintain their figure or improve their fitness. You can enjoy this delightful cooking safely without fretting over calorie counts.
So, it offers a flavorful experience while supporting your healthy eating habits.
Final Words & Recommendation
I’ll recommend trying making Caracoles a la Llauna at home yourself. Not only will you taste an outstanding meal, but you will also interact with a classic cultural practice.
It’s easy and suitable for both beginner and professional cooks. Whether you try or modify an original recipe will leave a favorable impression on your family & friends. It’s a perfect time to start if you want to learn how to make Caracoles a la Llauna.