Discover how to make Lapas a la Plancha, a delightful seafood dish featuring grilled limpets seasoned with garlic and herbs. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the natural taste of limpets, perfect for a light appetizer or main course. Learn step-by-step how to prepare and grill these delectable shellfish to perfection, with tips for enhancing their flavor with aromatic herbs.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb limpets (cleaned and scrubbed)

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)

- 1 lemon (juiced)

- Salt and black pepper (to taste)

- Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Limpets:

  - Clean the limpets thoroughly under cold running water. Scrub the shells to remove any debris.

Marinate:

  - In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon juice.

  - Add salt and black pepper to taste.

  - Gently toss the limpets in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Grill:

  - Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.

  - Place the marinated limpets on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they open up and develop a slightly charred appearance.

Serve:

  - Transfer the grilled limpets to a serving plate.

  - Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.

  - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy this delicious Lapas a la Plancha as a tasty seafood treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Nutritional Values:

Limpets:

- Calories: 80-90 kcal

- Protein: 15-20 g

- Fat: 1-2 g

- Carbohydrates: 0-1 g

- Cholesterol: 70-80 mg

- Sodium: 50-70 mg

Benefits:

- High in Protein: Limpets are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

- Low in Fat: They are low in fat, making them a good choice for a heart-healthy diet.

- Rich in Minerals: Limpets provide minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are crucial for various bodily functions, including immune support and oxygen transport.

Garlic:

- Calories: 149 kcal

- Protein: 6.4 g

- Fat: 0.5 g

- Carbohydrates: 33 g

- Fiber: 2.1 g

Benefits:

- Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Supports Heart Health: It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.

- Boosts Immunity: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, which can help the body fight infections.

Olive Oil:

- Calories: 884 kcal

- Fat: 100 g (of which 14% is saturated, 73% is monounsaturated, and 11% is polyunsaturated)

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties.

- Improves Digestion: Olive oil can aid in digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.

Fresh Parsley:

- Calories: 36 kcal

- Protein: 3.0 g

- Fat: 0.8 g

- Carbohydrates: 6.3 g

- Fiber: 3.3 g

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamins: Parsley is high in vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, immune function, and bone health.

- Antioxidant Properties: Contains flavonoids and volatile oils that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

- Supports Digestive Health: Helps in digestion and can alleviate bloating and gas.

Fresh Thyme:

- Calories: 101 kcal

- Protein: 5.6 g

- Fat: 1.7 g

- Carbohydrates: 24.4 g

- Fiber: 14.0 g

Benefits:

- Antimicrobial Properties: Thyme has natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections.

- Rich in Vitamins: Provides vitamins A and C, which support overall health and immune function.

- Supports Respiratory Health: Thyme is known for its ability to help with coughs and respiratory infections.

Lemon Juice:

- Calories: 29 kcal

- Protein: 1.1 g

- Fat: 0.3 g

- Carbohydrates: 9.3 g

- Vitamin C: 53 mg

Benefits:

- High in Vitamin C: Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

- Aids Digestion: Can help improve digestion and support a healthy digestive tract.

- Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

These ingredients not only enhance the flavor of Lapas a la Plancha but also provide a range of nutritional benefits to support overall health.