Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Cape Verde with this mouthwatering recipe for Lapa Grelhada. Bursting with flavors reminiscent of the islands, Lapa Grelhada is a traditional dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Cape Verde. Made with succulent limpets marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a side of tangy sauce, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses. Whether you're craving a taste of Cape Verde or simply looking to add some exotic flair to your next meal, this recipe for Lapa Grelhada is guaranteed to delight both your palate and your guests. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the tropical paradise of Cape Verde.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh limpets (Lapa)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1- Clean the limpets thoroughly by scrubbing them with a brush under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any limpets that are open and do not close when tapped.

2- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

3- Place the cleaned limpets in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the limpets marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

4- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

5- Remove the marinated limpets from the refrigerator and thread them onto skewers, leaving a little space between each one.

6- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the limpets are cooked through and slightly charred.

7- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer the grilled limpets to a serving platter.

8- Serve the grilled limpets hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Enjoy your delicious Cape Verdean Lapa Grelhada as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, accompanied by rice, salad, or your favorite side dishes. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the listed ingredients:

Fresh Limpets (500g):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 600mg

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains iron, aiding in the formation of red blood cells and preventing anemia.
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.03g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• Rich in antioxidants, helping to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• May lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped):

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.9g
• Sugar: 2.3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg

benefits:

• High in antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain cancers.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• Provides vitamin C and other nutrients that contribute to a healthy immune system.

Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting.
• Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect cells from damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to improved heart health.

Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and essential oils that may have antimicrobial properties.
• May help lower blood sugar levels and support digestion.
• Rich in vitamins A and K, promoting eye health and bone strength.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system and promoting collagen synthesis for healthy skin.
• May aid in digestion and detoxification, especially when consumed in warm water.
• Contains citric acid, which may help prevent kidney stones and improve mineral absorption.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 239 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can improve heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to improved cognitive function.

Salt and Pepper:

• Nutritional values are negligible as they are typically added in small amounts for taste.

benefits:

• Salt provides essential electrolytes like sodium and chloride, necessary for nerve function and fluid balance.
• Pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Wedges (for serving):

• Nutritional values are negligible as they are primarily for flavoring and garnishing.

benefits:

• Provides additional vitamin C and citrus flavor to enhance the taste of the dish.
• Refreshing and aids in digestion when squeezed over the grilled limpets.