Sizzling Garlic Butter Escargots
Indulge in the rich flavors of Sizzling Garlic Butter Escargots, a delightful twist on the traditional Escargots Bourguignon that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe hails from the heart of Quebec and elevates your experience, transforming the often rubbery texture of canned escargots into tender morsels of delight. By opting for smaller escargots, specifically those ranging from 36 to 40 per can, you ensure a superior texture and taste. This dish serves as an elegant appetizer for four or a sophisticated main course for two. Enhanced with chopped shallots and fresh parsley mixed into the buttery garlic bath, these escargots are smothered in gooey, melted cheese, creating an irresistible gastronomic experience that pairs beautifully with toasted bread for an unforgettable meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Escargots (medium)
1 (4 ounce can, drained and rinsed)
Consommé
1 (10 ounce can)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
Butter
1/2 (cup, melted)
Grated mozzarella or Swiss cheese
1 (cup)
Chopped shallots
1 (for flavor (optional))
Chopped parsley
1/4 (cup, for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by draining and rinsing the escargots thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the escargots, bay leaf, and consommé. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and allow to cook uncovered for approximately 40 minutes. This process softens the escargots and infuses them with flavor.
3
Once done, drain the escargots and discard the bay leaf. Set the escargots aside.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the crushed garlic, stirring until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped shallots and parsley for a fresh flavor kick.
5
Combine the escargots with the garlic butter mixture and allow it to marinate for 2 hours at room temperature, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
6
Preheat your oven's broiler. Arrange the marinated escargots in an escargot dish, placing one escargot in each hole.
7
Generously spoon the remaining garlic butter over the escargots, ensuring each one is well-coated.
8
Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top of the escargots.
9
Place the dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10
Once ready, serve immediately with crisp toasted bread on the side for dipping and savoring every delicious morsel.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sizzling Garlic Butter Escargots?
Sizzling Garlic Butter Escargots are a Quebec-inspired twist on the traditional Escargots Bourguignon, featuring tender escargots simmered in consommé, marinated in garlic butter, and topped with melted cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This dish serves as an elegant appetizer for four people or a sophisticated main course for two.
What size escargots are best for this recipe?
It is recommended to use medium-sized canned escargots, specifically those ranging from 36 to 40 per can, to ensure a superior texture and taste.
Why should I use smaller escargots?
Smaller escargots tend to have a better texture and are less likely to become rubbery compared to larger varieties.
Do I need to rinse canned escargots?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the escargots thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives before cooking.
What is the purpose of simmering the escargots in consommé?
Simmering them in consommé for about 40 minutes softens the escargots and infuses them with deep, savory flavor.
How long should I cook the escargots in the saucepan?
You should bring them to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 40 minutes.
What role does the bay leaf play?
The bay leaf is added during the simmering process to provide a subtle aromatic herbal note to the escargots.
How long should the escargots marinate in garlic butter?
For the best flavor, allow the escargots to marinate in the garlic butter mixture for 2 hours at room temperature.
Can I use fresh garlic for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for three crushed garlic cloves to create a fragrant and flavorful butter base.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Grated mozzarella or Swiss cheese are the best choices for creating a bubbly, golden, and gooey topping.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for half a cup of melted butter; unsalted is typically preferred to control the saltiness, as the escargots and consommé already contain sodium.
How do I prepare the garlic butter mixture?
Melt butter over low heat, add crushed garlic until fragrant, then remove from heat and stir in chopped shallots and parsley.
Are shallots required for this recipe?
Shallots are optional but highly recommended as they provide a fresh flavor kick to the garlic butter bath.
What temperature should the oven be?
You should use your oven's broiler setting to melt and brown the cheese topping.
How long do the escargots need to broil?
They should be placed under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What should I serve with Sizzling Garlic Butter Escargots?
Serve them immediately with crisp toasted bread, which is perfect for dipping into the remaining garlic butter.
Can I prepare this dish in a regular baking dish?
While an escargot dish with individual holes is ideal for presentation and butter retention, any small broiler-safe dish can work.
Is this recipe considered French cuisine?
Yes, it is a variation of a classic French dish, specifically influenced by the culinary traditions of Quebec.
How do I prevent the escargots from being rubbery?
The 40-minute simmering process in consommé is the key step that transforms the texture into tender morsels.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor and garnish, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The escargots and butter mixture are gluten-free, but you would need to serve them with gluten-free bread to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
What is the best way to arrange the escargots for baking?
Place one marinated escargot in each hole of an escargot dish and spoon the extra garlic butter generously over each.
Should the garlic be browned when cooking?
No, the garlic should be stirred until fragrant but not browned to avoid a bitter taste.
Can I marinate the escargots in the refrigerator?
The recipe suggests room temperature for 2 hours to let flavors meld, but if you need more time, you can use the fridge, though the butter will solidify.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 crushed garlic cloves for this recipe.
What is the total time for simmering?
The simmering process takes approximately 40 minutes.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While mozzarella and Swiss are suggested, any good melting cheese like Gruyère would also be delicious.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it an impressive gourmet appetizer for guests.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter to create the garlic sauce.