Indulge in the flavors of Galicia with our exquisite Berberechos tapas. Straight from the pristine waters of the Galician coastline, these succulent cockles are a quintessential delight for seafood enthusiasts. Served fresh and brimming with the essence of the sea, each bite offers a burst of oceanic richness that transports you to the shores of Spain. Whether enjoyed as a tantalizing appetizer or a delightful addition to your tapas spread, our Galician Berberechos promise an unforgettable culinary experience. Discover the taste of coastal Spain with every savory mouthful.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh cockles (berberechos)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions:

1- Begin by cleaning the cockles. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing them with a brush to remove any dirt or sand. Discard any cockles that are cracked or open and do not close when tapped.

2- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.

3- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cleaned cockles to the skillet. Pour in the white wine and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cockles to steam for 5-7 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally, until they have all opened.

4- Once the cockles have opened, remove the skillet from the heat. Discard any cockles that have not opened.

5- Season the cockles with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.

6- Transfer the Galician Berberechos to a serving dish and serve immediately, accompanied by slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Enjoy your homemade Galician Berberechos tapas!

Nutritional Values :

Fresh Cockles (Berberechos):

• Calories: Approximately 45 calories per 100 grams
• Protein: Approximately 10 grams per 100 grams
• Fat: Approximately 1 gram per 100 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams per 100 grams
• Fiber: Negligible
• Vitamins and minerals: Cockles are a good source of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium.

benefits

• Rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• High in vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium, which are important for maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, and aiding in energy metabolism.

Olive Oil:

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon (15 ml)
• Fat: Approximately 14 grams per tablespoon
• Minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals

benefits

• Contains monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall skin health.

Garlic:

• Calories: Approximately 4 calories per clove
• Negligible amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Contains small amounts of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium.

benefits

• Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Can support immune function and may have anticancer effects.

Red Chili Pepper (optional):

• Calories: Approximately 6 calories per small pepper
• Negligible amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and capsaicin.

benefits

• Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and aid in weight loss.
• Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which are important for immune function and vision health.
• May have pain-relieving properties and promote circulation.

Dry White Wine:

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per 5 oz (148 ml) serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3-4 grams per serving (depending on the wine)
• Minimal amounts of protein and fat

benefits

• Contains antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which may have heart-protective effects and contribute to overall longevity.
• Moderate consumption may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
• Can enhance the flavor of dishes and contribute to a pleasant dining experience.

Fresh Parsley:

• Calories: Approximately 1 calorie per tablespoon (2 grams)
• Negligible amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

benefits

• Excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects, promoting kidney health and reducing bloating.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, cooking methods, and serving sizes.