Delightful Red-Currant Wine Snails

This recipe for delightful red-currant wine snails is a gourmet treat for those looking to explore exotic flavors. The combination of tender escargot and the tang of red-currant wine creates a dish that's both sophisticated and unique. It begins with careful preparation of the snails, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking. Marinated with aromatic herbs like tarragon and basil, these snails turn into a compelling delicacy. The dish is finished with a luxurious touch of butter, which enhances the richness of the snails. While it may require some patience, each step is essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is perfect for adventurous home chefs looking to try something new. It requires just an hour of preparation time, making it suitable for an impressive but manageable culinary endeavor. Once prepared, these snails can be enjoyed as an elegant main or an exquisite side. Dive into this charming recipe and delight your taste buds with a touch of gourmet European flair.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 30 snails
• 1/2 lemon
• 100 g red-currant wine
• 50 g margarine or butter
• 50 g vinegar essence (70%)

Spices and Herbs:

• 2 sprigs of tarragon tops
• Basil leaves
• Oregano
• Thyme
• A dash of dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Place the snails in a container and rinse them every six hours to clear away black deposits.
2. Boil water with salt. Drop the snails in and let them simmer for 2-5 minutes. Use a fork to extract them from their shells, closely trimming their feet at the mucus ring.
3. Sprinkle coarse salt over the trimmed snail bodies and rub with your hands to remove slime, rinsing multiple times until clean.
4. Place the cleaned snail feet in a glass dish and cover with vinegar essence, stirring occasionally. Let them sit for 40 minutes.
5. Rinse off any remaining slime from the snails, press out excess liquid, and freeze until ready to cook.
6. Finely chop the collected herbs and place them in a bowl, squeezing lemon juice and leaving the peel in.
7. Boil 100 g of water and pour over the herbs, allowing the marinade to steep for a few hours; heating occasionally is an option.
8. Pour the marinade liquid over the snails and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight for 12 hours.
9. Remove the snails from the marinade, rinse them thoroughly, and press out excess liquid.
10. In a pan, heat margarine or butter until melted and add the snails with remaining red-currant wine.
11. Cook until the wine has evaporated, slightly sautéing until the snails take on a reddish hue.
12. Plate the snails and serve them with a preferred main course or as an accompaniment to potatoes.

Tips

• For a more robust flavor, add a splash of white wine during cooking.
• If vinegar essence is unavailable, substitute with apple cider vinegar, adjusting to taste.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum aroma and flavor impact.

Nutrition

Approximate Per Serving:

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 10g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute snails with roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a plant-friendly version.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace red-currant wine with red grape juice for a non-alcoholic touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes or fresh crusty bread.

Best Places

1. L'Escargot Montorgueil - French classic with a historic charm. Location: 38 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France.
2. Brasserie Mollard - Offers traditional escargot in a stunning Art Nouveau setting. Location: 115 Rue Saint-Lazare, Paris, France.
3. Café de Flore - A Parisian icon with rich history and elegance. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
4. Au Pied de Cochon - Known for its gourmet French cuisine. Location: 6 Rue Coquillière, Paris, France.
5. Le Grande Maison - Offers exquisite escargot dishes with creative twists. Location: 10 Rue de Montalembert, Bordeaux, France.
6. Epices Roellinger - An exotic take on French classics. Location: 12 Rue Saint-Vincent, Paris, France.
7. Brasserie Bofinger - Mixing tradition with modern French flair. Location: 5 Rue de la Bastille, Paris, France.
8. Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - A luxurious dining experience with a personalized touch. Location: Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, England.
9. Le Bernardin - Acclaimed for its exquisite seafood offerings. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
10. Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse - High-end prestige within the French Riviera. Location: Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco.