Cooking canned snails in garlic butter is a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting without spending too much time in the kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking canned snails in garlic butter, and provide you with some tips and variations to make the dish even more delicious.
What You Need to Know About Canned Snails
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a bit about canned snails. Canned snails are a convenient and affordable way to enjoy snails without having to hunt for them or buy them fresh. They are usually packed in a flavorful liquid, such as garlic butter or white wine, which helps to preserve their flavor and texture.
When buying canned snails, make sure to check the label for any added preservatives or ingredients that you may not like. Some canned snails may contain high amounts of sodium or artificial flavorings, so it’s always a good idea to read the label carefully.
Choosing the Right Type of Canned Snails
There are several types of canned snails available in the market, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few popular types of canned snails:
- Escargots: These are the most common type of canned snails and are usually packed in a garlic butter sauce.
- Snails in White Wine: These snails are packed in a white wine sauce and have a slightly sweeter flavor than escargots.
- Snails in Chili Sauce: These snails are packed in a spicy chili sauce and are perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
The Recipe: Cooking Canned Snails in Garlic Butter
Now that we’ve talked about canned snails, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for cooking canned snails in garlic butter:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of escargots (12-15 snails)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of white wine (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the canned snails under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the snails to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Sprinkle the parsley over the snails and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Serve the snails hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to make the dish even more delicious:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic has a more vibrant flavor than minced garlic, so try to use it if possible.
- Add Some Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a nice brightness to the dish.
- Use Different Herbs: Instead of parsley, try using thyme or rosemary to give the dish a different flavor.
- Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat in your food, try adding some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions
Canned snails in garlic butter can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve the snails as an appetizer with some crusty bread or crackers.
- Main Course: Serve the snails as a main course with some rice or pasta.
- Side Dish: Serve the snails as a side dish with some roasted vegetables or a salad.
Wine Pairing
Canned snails in garlic butter can be paired with a variety of wines, including:
- Chardonnay: A buttery chardonnay can complement the rich flavor of the garlic butter.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp sauvignon blanc can cut through the richness of the dish.
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied pinot noir can pair nicely with the delicate flavor of the snails.
In conclusion, cooking canned snails in garlic butter is a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. With a few tips and variations, you can make the dish even more delicious and serve it as an appetizer or main course. So next time you’re looking for a new recipe to try, give canned snails in garlic butter a shot!
What is the best way to store canned snails before cooking?
Canned snails can be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It’s essential to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as the snails can absorb odors easily. Make sure to check the expiration date on the can before purchasing and storing them.
When storing canned snails, it’s also crucial to keep them upright to prevent any liquid from seeping into the lid and causing rust or corrosion. You can store them in a pantry or cupboard, but avoid storing them near a heat source, such as an oven or stove.
How do I prepare the garlic butter sauce for cooking canned snails?
To prepare the garlic butter sauce, start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter. You can also add some chopped parsley or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
Once the garlic butter is ready, you can add the canned snails to the saucepan and toss them to coat with the garlic butter sauce. You can also add some white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for extra flavor. Make sure to adjust the amount of garlic and herbs according to your taste preferences.
Can I use fresh snails instead of canned snails for this recipe?
While it’s possible to use fresh snails for this recipe, it’s not recommended. Fresh snails require a lot of preparation, including purging and cooking them before using them in the recipe. Canned snails, on the other hand, are already cooked and ready to use, making them a convenient option.
Using fresh snails can also be more expensive and time-consuming. Canned snails are widely available in most supermarkets and are often cheaper than fresh snails. Additionally, canned snails have a longer shelf life than fresh snails, making them a more practical option for this recipe.
How do I cook the canned snails in garlic butter?
To cook the canned snails in garlic butter, start by heating the garlic butter sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Add the canned snails to the saucepan and toss them to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Cook the snails for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re heated through and coated with the garlic butter sauce.
Make sure to stir the snails occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste, as well as some chopped parsley or thyme for extra flavor. Serve the snails hot, garnished with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Can I serve the garlic butter snails as an appetizer or main course?
The garlic butter snails can be served as either an appetizer or main course, depending on your preference. As an appetizer, they’re perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Simply serve them hot, garnished with lemon wedges and crusty bread, and enjoy.
As a main course, you can serve the garlic butter snails with some crusty bread and a side salad or roasted vegetables. They’re also delicious served with pasta or rice, making them a satisfying and filling main course.
How do I reheat leftover garlic butter snails?
To reheat leftover garlic butter snails, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat and add a little bit of butter or oil. Stir the snails occasionally until they’re heated through and coated with the garlic butter sauce.
You can also reheat the snails in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. Simply place the snails in a microwave-safe dish and heat them for about 20-30 seconds, until they’re hot and steaming. Serve the snails hot, garnished with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Can I make the garlic butter snails ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?
While it’s possible to make the garlic butter snails ahead of time, it’s not recommended to refrigerate or freeze them. The garlic butter sauce can separate and become greasy when refrigerated or frozen, affecting the texture and flavor of the snails.
Instead, make the garlic butter snails just before serving, and serve them hot. This will ensure that the snails are cooked to perfection and coated with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before using it.