Experience the culinary delights of the Azores with Lapas (Limpets) Grelhadas, a beloved dish. it also known as Grilled Limpets .Discover its traditional preparation and savory flavors that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the Azores Islands.

Ingredients:

  - 1 kg fresh limpets (if fresh limpets are not available, you can use frozen ones)

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1/2 cup olive oil

  - Juice of 1 lemon

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1-If using fresh limpets, start by cleaning them thoroughly. Scrub the shells under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a small brush to clean the shells and remove any barnacles or other impurities.

2-Once cleaned, place the limpets in a bowl of cold water with a few tablespoons of salt. Let them soak for about 1 hour to help remove any sand or grit from inside the shells.

3-After soaking, rinse the limpets under cold water and drain them well.

4-Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

5-In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

6-Arrange the limpets on the grill, shell-side down. Brush the marinade generously over the exposed flesh of the limpets.

7-Grill the limpets for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.

8-Once cooked, remove the limpets from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

9-Garnish the grilled limpets with chopped parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges if desired.

10-Enjoy your Lapas Grelhadas hot off the grill, savoring the delicious flavors of this traditional Azorean specialty!

Note: Lapas Grelhadas are often served with bread and butter or accompanied by a simple salad for a complete meal. Adjust the seasoning and marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values :

Fresh limpets (per 100g):

  - Calories: 90 kcal

  - Protein: 14g

  - Fat: 1.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 90mg

benefits:

  - High in Protein: Limpets are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.

  - Low in Fat: They are low in fat, making them a lean source of protein.

  - Minerals: Rich in essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, which support various bodily functions, including immune health and energy production.

Garlic (per clove, about 3g):

  - Calories: 4 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Garlic contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

  - Immune Support: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic can help fight off illnesses.

  - Heart Health: Garlic may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to heart health.

Olive oil (per 1 tablespoon, about 14g):

  - Calories: 120 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Saturated Fat: 2g

  - Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

  - Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

  - Antioxidants: Olive oil is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Lemon juice (per 1 lemon, about 58g):

  - Calories: 12 kcal

  - Protein: 0.4g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fiber: 0.3g

  - Sugars: 1.4g

  - Sodium: 2mg

benefits:

  - Vitamin C: High in vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

  - Digestive Health: Lemon juice can aid digestion and help cleanse the liver.

  - Hydration: Helps maintain hydration due to its high water content.

Salt (per 1 teaspoon, about 6g):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 2300mg (This value can vary based on the type and brand of salt used.)

benefits:

  - Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function.

  - Flavor Enhancement: Enhances the flavor of food, which can make healthier dishes more palatable (though should be used in moderation).

Pepper (per 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, about 2.3g):

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Fiber: 0.6g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Black pepper is rich in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals.

  - Digestive Health: It can help stimulate digestive juices, improving digestion.

  - Nutrient Absorption: Piperine, an active compound in black pepper, can enhance the absorption of nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and curcumin.

Parsley (per 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, about 4g):

  - Calories: 1 kcal

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

  - Fiber: 0.1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

  - Vitamins and Minerals: A good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.

  - Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect against chronic diseases.

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall health.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brand of ingredients used and variations in preparation methods.