Nigerian list of choice meat is usually incomplete without Snails. Caterers I hear are always challenged as this is the first meat type to disappear when served at parties. Grilled snails on charcoal with the right level of seasoning is a real treat particularly on a weekend.
I remember with some nostalgia living with my parents at the government residential area in Aba in Abia state in Nigeria, with lots of banana trees in the compound. We will go out at night to search for snails using tourch lights. Next morning was time to roast the snails. Seasoning we used was salt, pepper and palm oil. As with most kids we ensured that our parents did know about this culinary adventure. But the memory of this tasty charcoal grilled snails has remained with me .
Think of an old girls or old boys meeting where you are not serving the usual Jollof rice , Moin Moin or even swallow and soup, Grilled meats like snails are interesting as part of your small chops offering. Stewed, fried or grilled snails are always exciting .
What puts us all off having snails more regularly is the cleaning process. This can be easily overcome by having the initial cleaning done for you in the market. Insist that salt and lime is used for the cleaning as alum may leave a funny taste on the meat and the texture of the meat a bit too soft.I like the texture of the snail,crunchy, so the use of alum sometimes softens the snail too much, leaving it rubbery and soft. Some people also use a bit of warm water or garri to remove the slime . What ever method you use, try to keep the meat firm.
Nutri- Tip:
Snails are great meat for those trying to control or bring down their cholesterol levels.
Recipe for charcoal grilled Snails
Ingredients
4 giant Snails( washed)
2tables spoon ground fresh Pepper
1 tables spoon ground Onion
3,tables spoons Palm Oil
Beef seasoning to taste
Salt to taste
Method
1, Mix all the ingredients
2, Make a slit on each side of the lobe of the snail
3,Pour ingredients over the snail and allow to marinade for 3 0 minutes
4, Grill the snails, turning frequently over the charcoal heat. Continue to pour remaining seasoning mixture over snail as you grill.
5, Cut up into bite size pieces and serve with your favorite drink.
Good morning ma’am, thank you so much for all the wonderful delicacies. The muslim fast starts tomorrow, pls ur muslim followers would like tips on food that we can make for our families @ dis time…A lot of people r going to be inviting families and friends over for the break of the fast.. Thank you ma, may GOD replenish you.
hmnnnnnn…..thank you for these, i never knew they could be grilled..i am definately going to try it out…..more grease to your palm…….