Savoring Escargot: 10 Exquisite Recipes Paired with French Wine

1. Classic Garlic Butter Escargot

This traditional preparation is iconic in French cuisine. The rich garlic and herb butter complements the soft, tender snails.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots (canned or fresh)

• • 100g unsalted butter, softened

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• • Baguette, for serving

Instructions:

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

1. 1. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

1. 1. Place the escargots in their shells or a small baking dish.

1. 1. Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over the snails.

1. 1. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until bubbling.

Wine Pairing:

A glass of Chablis is the perfect companion for this dish. Its crisp acidity helps to balance the richness of the garlic butter.

2. Escargots à la Bourguignonne

This dish hails from the Burgundy region of France and is known for its rich flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 100g butter, softened

• • 4 cloves garlic, minced

• • 3 tablespoons shallots, minced

• • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

• • 1 tablespoon brandy

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, brandy, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Fill the escargot shells with the butter mixture.

1. 1. Place the shells in a baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes.

Wine Pairing:

A glass of Pinot Noir from Burgundy pairs beautifully with this dish, reflecting the earthiness of the snails while complementing the flavors from the brandy.

3. Spicy Thai Escargot

For a twist on tradition, this recipe incorporates spicy Thai flavors, creating a fusion dish that surprises the palate.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 2 tablespoons butter

• • 1 tablespoon chili paste

• • 1 tablespoon lime juice

• • 1 teaspoon sugar

• • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a pan, melt the butter and add the chili paste, lime juice, and sugar.

1. 1. Add the escargots and sauté for about 5 minutes.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Wine Pairing:

Pair this dish with a bottle of Gewürztraminer, which has floral notes and sweetness that balance the spiciness of the dish.

4. Mediterranean Escargot Pasta

Combine escargots with pasta for a delightful and hearty dish infused with flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 300g spaghetti

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • 3 cloves garlic, minced

• • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved

• • Olives, for garnish

• • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.

1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, add garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until soft.

1. 1. Add escargots and cooked spaghetti; toss to combine.

1. 1. Garnish with olives and fresh basil before serving.

Wine Pairing:

An excellent pairing for this dish would be a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the freshness of the tomatoes.

5. Escargot Tart with Wild Mushrooms

This savory tart combines buttery pastry, earthy mushrooms, and succulent snails, perfect for an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 1 pre-made puff pastry sheet

• • 200g wild mushrooms, diced

• • 2 tablespoons butter

• • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• • Fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions:

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

1. 1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until soft.

1. 1. Roll out puff pastry and cut into circles. Place in a tartlet tin.

1. 1. Add mushrooms and escargots into each pastry shell.

1. 1. Brush edges with beaten egg and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden.

Wine Pairing:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a Chardonnay, which elevates the earthy notes of the mushrooms and complements the buttery pastry.

6. Asian-Inspired Escargot Salad

This light and refreshing salad presents escargots in a citrusy, tangy dressing embellished with Asian flavors.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • Mixed salad greens

• • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• • Juice of 1 lime

• • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice.

1. 1. In a large bowl, toss salad greens with the dressing and add escargots.

1. 1. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Wine Pairing:

A chilled Champagne or sparkling wine enhances the freshness of the salad while adding a touch of elegance.

7. Escargot Pizza

This unconventional pizza showcases escargots atop a cheesy, herb-infused crust that will delight any adventurous eater.

Ingredients:

• • 1 pizza dough

• • 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded

• • 12 escargots

• • 2 tablespoons pesto

• • Fresh arugula, for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven as per pizza dough instructions.

1. 1. Spread pesto over the rolled-out dough.

1. 1. Top with mozzarella and arrange escargots on top.

1. 1. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

1. 1. Garnish with fresh arugula before serving.

Wine Pairing:

This unique dish pairs well with a light-bodied Rosé, enhancing flavors without overpowering the pizza.

8. Escargot and Leek Quiche

A traditional quiche with a twist, this dish features escargots nestled among creamy leeks and cheese.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 1 pre-made pie crust

• • 2 leeks, sliced

• • 200ml heavy cream

• • 3 eggs

• • 100g Gruyère cheese, grated

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).

1. 1. Sauté leeks until soft, then cool slightly.

1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Spread leeks and escargots into the pie crust, pour the egg mixture over them, and top with Gruyère.

1. 1. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and lightly golden.

Wine Pairing:

A glass of Côtes du Rhône fits beautifully, bringing out the rich flavors of the creamy filling.

9. Escargot-Stuffed Mushrooms

This delectable appetizer features escargots stuffed inside mushroom caps, baked to perfection with garlic and herbs.

Ingredients:

• • 12 large mushrooms

• • 12 escargots

• • 100g cream cheese, softened

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tablespoon chives, chopped

• • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F).

1. 1. Remove stems from mushrooms and mix the cream cheese, garlic, chives, and parsley in a bowl.

1. 1. Stuff each mushroom with the cream cheese mixture and place an escargot on top.

1. 1. Bake for 15-20 minutes until mushrooms are tender and filling is warm.

Wine Pairing:

A light-bodied Chablis will complement the richness of the stuffed mushrooms beautifully.

10. Escargot with Lemon Butter Sauce

This recipe simplifies the preparation while enhancing the flavor with a zesty lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients:

• • 12 escargots

• • 100g butter

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a saucepan, melt butter and add garlic, cooking until fragrant.

1. 1. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Add escargots and cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp Sancerre enhances the citrusy notes of the dish, making it a refreshing complement to the rich butter sauce.