MEXICAN ESCAMOLES
Escamoles are the edible larvae and pupae of ants of the species Liometopum apiculatum and L. occidentale var. luctuosum. These larvae and pupae are harvested from the roots of the Agave tequilana (tequila) or Agave americana (maguey—mezcal) plants in Mexico. They are most commonly consumed in Mexico City and surrounding areas and this weird MUST-TRY, Escamoles, have been consumed in Mexico since the age of the Aztecs.
The cooking method or process method of Escamoles production is very simple, but the greatest task lies in getting the larvae and pupae. The ant's larvae and pupae used in the production of escamoles are not just tiny ants, instead they are giant ants which bites so aggressively and this makes getting the pupae pupae and larvae the most difficult task of all. Getting scared you gonna miss this tasty escamoles because of the aggressive, giant ants? Never worry, you can readily get the larvae and pupae in Mexico stores.
Walk into stores in Mexico and buy the readily available larvae and pupae for your tasty escamoles. You can only cook escamoles in Mexico because it is not allowed to be taken out of the country. So I will suggest- enjoy the cuisine in Mexico for as long as you staying in the country.
RECIPE
1. Liometopum ant eggs and larvae ( also named as insect caviar in some places)
2. 1/2 cup chili sauce (which depends on the quantity)
3. Pinch of salt
4. Oil
5. Garlic
6. Onion ( chopped fine)
7. 1 lemon
8. 1 cup guacamole
9. 6 tortillas
10. Grasshoppers (optional for added taste)
COOKING METHOD
1. Wash the eggs and larvae thoroughly in warm water; then dry.
2. Put in a large saucepan, add oil and fry; then add garlic, lemon, guacamole and the chopped onions.
3. Adding grasshoppers and some salsa is optional, it depends on your choice. Let the whole dish fry well.
4. Serve hot; it is often served on the tortillas. The tortilla in this case is made up of the eggs of many different kinds of aquatic Hemiptera which are Mexican caviar.
ENJOY THE SAVORING SMELL AND THE YUMMY TASTE!
N.B: THE ANTS IS RICH IN PROTEIN AND ANTS LIKE EVERY OTHER ANTS AND ITS NUTRIENTS IS MORE TAKEN FROM THE ESCAMOLES.
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