10 Classic Mediterranean Snail Dishes You Must Try

The Mediterranean region is renowned for its vibrant cuisine, heavily influenced by its diverse cultures and rich history. One ingredient that often flies under the radar yet is a true delicacy in many Mediterranean countries is snails. While the thought of consuming snails may be off-putting to some, those who dare to try them often find them to be utterly delicious and versatile. Below, we explore ten classic snail dishes from the Mediterranean that you simply must try.

1. Escargots de Bourgogne (France)

While not strictly Mediterranean, escargots de Bourgogne is an iconic dish from France that showcases how snails can be elevated to gourmet status. This dish features snails cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce mixed with parsley and shallots. Traditionally served in their shells, each snail is a bite-sized treasure of flavor.

Ingredients:

• • Snails (usually land snails such as Helix pomatia)

• • Garlic

• • Butter

• • Parsley

• • Shallots

• • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

1. 1. Clean the snails and ensure they are free of grit.

1. 1. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, shallots, and season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Stuff each snail shell with the garlic butter mixture and place the snails back into their shells.

1. 1. Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the butter is bubbling.

2. Lumache Alla Puttanesca (Italy)

This Italian dish takes snails and marries them with the bold flavors of a puttanesca sauce, which typically includes tomatoes, olives, and capers. Lumache alla puttanesca is a comforting and hearty meal that celebrates the flavors of Southern Italy.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Canned tomatoes

• • Olives (preferably black)

• • Capers

• • Garlic

• • Chili flakes

• • Pasta (optional)

Preparation:

1. 1. Clean and prepare the snails if they are fresh.

1. 1. In a pan, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.

1. 1. Add the canned tomatoes, olives, capers, and chili flakes; simmer for 15-20 minutes.

1. 1. Add the snails and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

1. 1. Serve hot, optionally over pasta.

3. Caracoles en Salsa (Spain)

Caracoles en salsa is a beloved dish in Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia. The dish features snails simmered in a savory sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and spices that pack a punch. It’s a perfect tapas dish, best enjoyed with a glass of wine.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Chopped tomatoes

• • Garlic

• • Onion

• • Red pepper

• • Smoked paprika

• • Olive oil

Preparation:

1. 1. Begin by cleaning the snails thoroughly.

1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper until softened.

1. 1. Add the chopped tomatoes and smoked paprika, cooking until the sauce thickens.

1. 1. Incorporate the snails into the sauce, adding water if necessary, and simmer for 20 minutes.

1. 1. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

4. Snail Risotto (Italy)

Risotto is a staple of Italian cuisine, and adding snails to this creamy dish creates a mouthwatering combination of flavors. This snail risotto is a celebration of texture and taste, perfect for an elegant dinner.

Ingredients:

• • Arborio rice

• • Snails

• • Vegetable or chicken broth

• • Onion

• • White wine

• • Parmesan cheese

• • Herbs (such as thyme)

Preparation:

1. 1. Heat the broth in a separate pot.

1. 1. In a large pan, sauté finely chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.

1. 1. Add Arborio rice, stirring for a couple of minutes until it’s lightly toasted.

1. 1. Deglaze with white wine, allowing it to evaporate.

1. 1. Gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.

1. 1. About halfway through cooking, add the snails and continue to stir.

1. 1. Once creamy and al dente, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

5. Snails in Dill Sauce (Greece)

Known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Greek cuisine offers a delightful snail dish where the mollusks are cooked in a fragrant dill sauce. This dish showcases the Mediterranean’s love for herbs and seafood.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Dill

• • Garlic

• • Olive oil

• • Lemon juice

• • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. 1. Clean the snails thoroughly and set aside.

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

1. 1. Add the snails and cook for a few minutes.

1. 1. Stir in chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.

6. Gaspacho de Caracoles (Spain)

Incredibly refreshing, this cold soup from Spain’s southern regions often includes snails alongside herbs and vegetables. A perfect dish for hot summer days, it’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• • Tomatoes

• • Cucumbers

• • Bell peppers

• • Garlic

• • Olive oil

• • Snails

• • Vinegar

Preparation:

1. 1. Blanch tomatoes to remove skins, then blend them with cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and vinegar until smooth.

1. 1. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

1. 1. In a separate pot, cook and prepare snails if they are fresh.

1. 1. Serve the cold soup in bowls garnished with cooked snails and a drizzle of olive oil.

7. Snail Bake (Morocco)

Moroccan cuisine is famous for its rich and aromatic spices. Snail bake, or ‘helix’, is a traditional dish where snails are cooked with a mélange of spices and served hot or cold as a street food delicacy.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Garlic

• • Cumin

• • Paprika

• • Cilantro

• • Hot sauce (optional)

Preparation:

1. 1. Prepare the snails for cooking; ensure they are cleaned properly.

1. 1. In a pot, add water, snails, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt. Bring to a boil.

1. 1. Reduce heat and simmer until the snails are tender.

1. 1. Remove from heat, toss with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.

8. Snail Curry (Italy)

This dish combines Mediterranean and Indian influences, resulting in a unique snail curry. The rich spices and creamy sauce pair perfectly with tender snails for a truly delightful experience.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Coconut milk

• • Curry powder

• • Tomatoes

• • Onion

• • Garlic

Preparation:

1. 1. In a pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent.

1. 1. Add sliced tomatoes and curry powder, cooking until fragrant.

1. 1. Stir in coconut milk, bringing the mixture to a low simmer.

1. 1. Add the prepared snails and cook for approximately 15 minutes.

1. 1. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

9. Snail Tacos (Spain)

A modern twist on a traditional Spanish dish, snail tacos have gained popularity in recent years. These tacos are filled with snails and topped with fresh salsas and herbs for a fusion experience that is both fun and delicious.

Ingredients:

• • Soft or hard taco shells

• • Snails

• • Cabbage

• • Avocado

• • Salsa

• • Lime wedges

Preparation:

1. 1. Cook the snails using your preferred method; sautéing with garlic and spices works well.

1. 1. Prepare taco shells as desired.

1. 1. Assemble the tacos by adding snails, shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and salsa.

1. 1. Squeeze lime juice on top just before serving.

10. Snail Salad (France)

This refreshing salad combines snails with a variety of fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. This dish is perfect for warm days and makes for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• • Snails

• • Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)

• • Cherry tomatoes

• • Cucumber

• • Red onion

• • Olive oil

• • Vinegar

Preparation:

1. 1. Prepare the snails as needed; preferably cook them in garlic and herbs.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thin red onion.

1. 1. Add the cooked snails and toss gently.

1. 1. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of Mediterranean snail dishes reveals a treasure trove of flavors and culinary traditions. From the garlic-infused elegance of escargots de Bourgogne to the zesty freshness of snail salad, each dish offers a unique take on this often-overlooked delicacy. Embrace the adventure of trying new ingredients, and don’t hesitate to add a little Mediterranean flair to your next culinary endeavor.