Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Pyrenees with our delectable Andorra Caragols a la Llauna recipe. This traditional dish hailing from the charming principality of Andorra combines the rustic flavors of snails with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a gastronomic experience that is both rich in history and taste. As you follow this simple yet flavorful recipe, you'll discover the art of preparing these succulent caragols, enhancing their natural essence with a llauna (grill) cooking technique that imparts a delightful smokiness. Indulge in the unique charm of Andorran cuisine and elevate your dining experience with Andorra Caragols a la Llauna – a dish that captures the essence of the picturesque Pyrenean landscape on your plate.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh snails, cleaned and purged
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Snails:If you're using fresh snails, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and purged. This typically involves placing them in a container with cornmeal or flour and letting them feed for a couple of days to eliminate any impurities.

Create the Marinade:In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to form a cohesive marinade.

Marinate the Snails:Place the cleaned snails in a large bowl and coat them evenly with the prepared marinade. Allow them to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, to absorb the flavors.

Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill or llauna to medium-high heat. The llauna is a traditional Andorran grill, but a regular barbecue grill will work well.

Grill the Snails:Arrange the marinated snails on the preheated grill, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice grilled exterior.

Deglaze with White Wine:Pour the white wine over the grilled snails, allowing it to sizzle and deglaze the flavors from the grill. This step adds an extra layer of complexity to the taste.

Serve:Transfer the grilled snails to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining juices from the grill over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy:

Embrace the unique flavors of Andorra Caragols a la Llauna as you savor each bite. This dish pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices and a glass of white wine to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values for the given ingredients are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. The values below are provided per serving and are based on a general estimation:

Fresh Snails (500g):

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 70mg

benefits: Rich in protein and low in fat, snails provide essential amino acids, iron, and vitamins. They also contain trace elements like selenium and zinc.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 18
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits: Garlic has antioxidant properties, supports heart health, and may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It is also linked to potential immune system benefits.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped):

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

benefits: Parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. It contains antioxidants, supports bone health, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Thyme is rich in antioxidants, including thymol, which has antimicrobial properties. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to respiratory health.

Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It may support digestion, enhance memory, and have potential anti-cancer properties.

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Paprika is a good source of vitamins A and E. It contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

• Values can vary based on personal preference. Use sparingly for a healthier option.

benefits: Used in moderation, salt enhances flavor, and pepper contains piperine, which may improve digestion and increase the absorption of certain nutrients.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 960
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 108g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, contributing to overall well-being.

White Wine (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 49
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 3mg

benefits: In moderation, white wine may have cardiovascular benefits. It contains antioxidants like resveratrol and may contribute to heart health.

Lemon Wedges (for serving):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits: Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, supporting the immune system. They also contain antioxidants and may aid in digestion and skin health.

Please note that these values are provided for general informational purposes and may not be entirely accurate for your specific ingredients or cooking methods. Always check product labels for the most accurate nutritional information.