Cargols a la Lloseta
A traditional Andorran dish featuring snails cooked in a flavorful broth with herbs and sometimes a hint of spice, often served with crusty bread for dipping.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Escargots (snails)(cleaned and purged, or canned and drained)
- 150 g Pork belly(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 200 g Tomatoes(grated or pureed)
- 150 ml Dry white wine
- 500 ml Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 0.5 tsp Piment d'Espelette or red pepper flakes(optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Crusty bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh snails, ensure they are thoroughly purged and cleaned. If using canned snails, drain and rinse them well.
- 2
In a large pot or cazuela, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pork belly and cook until crispy. Remove the pork belly and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the grated tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the mixture to thicken.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol smell dissipates.
- 6
Add the cleaned snails, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and piment d'Espelette (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the snails are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and the reserved crispy pork belly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 9
Serve hot, directly from the pot or cazuela, with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure snails are properly purged to remove any grit.
- ✓Don't overcook the snails, as they can become tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of piment d'Espelette to your spice preference.
- ✓A good quality broth will enhance the overall flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of brandy or cognac for extra depth of flavor.
- Include some finely chopped leeks along with the onions.
- For a richer sauce, a small amount of tomato paste can be added with the tomatoes.