Peppered snail is a delicious and popular delicacy, especially in West Africa. Here's a simple recipe for making peppered snails:
### Ingredients:
- 10 large snails
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste, finely chopped)
- 2 bell peppers (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Lemon or lime juice (for cleaning snails)
- Water
### Instructions:
1. **Clean the Snails:**
- Place the snails in a bowl and cover them with water.
- Add some lemon or lime juice and allow them to soak for a few minutes.
- Rinse the snails thoroughly under running water to remove any slime and debris.
- You might need to repeat this process a few times until the snails are clean.
2. **Parboil the Snails:**
- In a pot, place the cleaned snails and cover them with water.
- Add salt and boil for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the snails.
- Drain the water and set the snails aside.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Add the chopped scotch bonnet peppers and bell peppers, and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme, curry powder, paprika, and bouillon cube (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. **Cook the Snails:**
- Add the parboiled snails to the pan and stir to coat them with the pepper sauce.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the snails to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
5. **Serve:**
- Remove from heat and serve the peppered snails hot.
- They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish, often accompanied by rice, plantains, or any side of your choice.
Enjoy your delicious peppered snails!
