If you’re not used to French cuisine, this might come as a surprise to you, displeasing to some. Indeed, the Herb Buttered Snails is not a dish for the faint-hearted and it is a dish only the expert chefs can cook to perfection. However, if you are one of the few people that are bold enough to indulge in one, you’ll find yourself in culinary heaven.
Plus, Malaysians are probably used to eating adventurous food anyway as we are used to dishes like the Siput Sedut and petai, and we know while it might not look as appetising, it is definitely tasty.
What is in a Herb Buttered Snails
Herb Buttered Snails, or more famously known in the French cuisine as Escargot à la Bourguignonne is made using a very specific type of snails – usually the Helix aspersa, locurum and pomatia which typically lives in the Alps of France.
The snails are baked in an oven with a special blend of garlic and herb butter until it is cooked and it is then enjoyed over a glass of wine and freshly baked bread. Typically, the Herb Buttered Snails are served as a starter before a big meal.
The History of Herb Buttered Snails
The first recorded use of the French word escargot that means “edible snail” has been traced back to 1892 which suggests that snails have been part of the culinary cuisine as long as the year itself. Some even believed that when Caesar invaded Gaul, his soldiers munched on snails, hence introducing the molluscs to the French and turning it into a culinary sensation. According to history though, the Gauls used to enjoy them as a dessert.
In medieval France, only the convents were allowed to farm snails. Some monasteries had special snail parks where the escargots were stock-piled in barrels and brought out during festivals or during times when food was scarce.
By the sixteenth century, the snails were being served at banquets and snail in culinary became a luxury internationally. By the late 1980s, escargots sales alone contributed to a $300-million-a-year business in the United States. Up until today, escargot is still seen as a luxury cuisine at par with caviar and lobsters and the pricing for the snails still remain the same. Most traditional French dining restaurant would have limited availability of Herb Buttered Snails to ensure its quality.
The Health Benefits of eating Herb Buttered Snails
To most people, it might look unappetising but there are actually a lot of health benefits that comes from eating snails. For one, snails are actually free of carbohydrate, fats and sugar so it is definitely a healthy diet for those looking to lose weight. Snails are also rich in iron, sodium and zinc which is essential in the production of healthy bones and healthy teeth.
Garlic, on the other hand, is known to have a lot of anti-microbial properties that can help you prevent diseases and help aid in a healthy digestive tract. Garlic can also improve blood pressure.
Where to get Herb Buttered Snails in KL
So you’re one of those adventurous foodies? Make your way to Moment Cuisine in Kepong and try their French Escargots Ala Bourguignoime for only RM21.75 for half a dozen of snails. For something a little different, make your way to Star Village Steak House located in several locations including OUG, Kuchai Lama and Kepong to try their Garlic Cheese Escargot for only Rm16.90.
Want to give the snails a try in the comfort of your own home? Make your snails delivery via the foodpanda app instead!