Snails in the Charente Manner

classic French delicacy awaits: Snails in the Charente Manner. This iconic dish showcases the rich culinary heritage and rustic charm of the Charente region, renowned for its exquisite snails and traditional cooking techniques.

In this traditional recipe, tender and succulent snails take center stage, enveloped in a flavorful combination of herbs, garlic, and butter. Each bite offers a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors, inviting you to savor the unique essence of these prized gastropods.

Discover the art of preparing and serving snails, as you immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved French delicacy. Indulge in the ritual of delicately extracting the snails from their shells and relish the moment as you savor their delicate flavors, accentuated by the aromatic blend of herbs and garlic.

Snails in the Charente Manner invites you to experience the rustic charm and exquisite flavors of French cuisine at its finest. So, embrace the opportunity to partake in this cherished culinary tradition, and let your taste buds transport you to the idyllic countryside of Charente. Bon appétit!

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 dozen small snails
• 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into thick pieces
• Half bunch fresh parsley
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 onion studded with 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 pound shallots
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 pound pork sausage meat
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 bottle ordinary red wine
• Pepper and salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Over a large bowl topped with a sieve, mix snails with the kosher salt, vinegar, and flour.
2. Leave for 2 hours to allow snails to purge themselves. Rinse under running water.
3. In a large pot half full of water, put 1 tablespoon salt, peppercorns, carrots, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, 2 cloves garlic, and the onion. Bring to a boil, add snails. Reduce heat, and cook 1 hour. Drain, reserving liquid.
4. Mince the shallots and 4 cloves garlic. In a pan, melt butter, sauté shallots, garlic, and remaining parsley.
5. Cook 5 minutes until shallots are golden. Add pork sausage meat, broken up. Stir well, and cook 15 more minutes.
6. Add snails, wine, and 1 cup reserved cooking liquid. Simmer 2 hours, stirring regularly, adding more liquid as needed. Adjust seasoning. Serve.

SERVING:

When serving Snails in the Charente Manner, it’s important to create a memorable dining experience for your guests. Here are some tips on presenting and enjoying this classic French dish:

• Traditional Escargot Plates: Serve the snails in the traditional escargot plates designed specifically for this purpose. These plates have indentations or small wells to hold each snail, making it easier to handle and eat.
• Garlic Butter: Snails are typically cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Make sure to drizzle some of the delicious butter sauce over the snails when serving. This adds a rich and aromatic element to the dish.
• Accompaniments: Serve the snails with crusty French bread or toasted baguette slices. The bread can be used to soak up the garlic butter sauce and enhance the overall experience. Additionally, you may offer a side salad or some fresh herbs as a refreshing contrast to the richness of the snails.
• Utensils: Provide small forks or snail tongs for your guests to easily extract the snails from their shells. These specialized utensils make it easier to handle the snails and extract them gracefully.
• Wine Pairing: Consider pairing the snails with a dry white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. The crispness and acidity of the wine will complement the flavors of the snails and enhance the overall dining experience.

Remember to encourage your guests to embrace the French tradition of savoring each bite slowly, taking the time to appreciate the flavors and textures of the snails. Encourage lively conversation and enjoyment of the meal, creating an atmosphere of conviviality and gastronomic pleasure.

By following these serving suggestions, you can elevate the experience of enjoying Snails in the Charente Manner and create a truly memorable dining occasion for your guests.