Frog legs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frogs' legs are one of the better-known delicacies of French and Chinese cuisine. It is also eaten in other regions, such as the Caribbean, the region of Alentejo, in Portugal, and the Midwest and southern regions of the United States. A type of frog called the edible frog is most often used for this dish.
Although perceived as exotic in most parts of the world, frog legs are described as tasting like chicken by some people.
Contents |
[edit] French cuisine
This dish is in the English-speaking world traditionally associated with French cuisine, and a favourite English derogatory nickname for the French is the Frogs. Despite this cliché, frog legs are actually a rare dish in France and are much more common in French speaking parts of Louisiana, particularly the Cajun areas of New Orleans. They were introduced to New Orleans by Donat Pucheu.
Only the upper joint of the hind leg is served, which has a single bone similar to the upper joint of a chicken or turkey wing. They are commonly prepared by frying or deep-frying, sometimes breaded and sometimes unbreaded.
[edit] Chinese cuisine
In Chinese cuisine, they are usually stir fried and mixed with other light spices, and eaten off the bone. They are also made into congee, which is a famous dish in Cantonese cuisine.
Like their French counterparts, frog legs are not commonly found in restaurant menus, probably due to their unstable supply. They are a popular home dish, though.
[edit] Southern USA cuisine
Although rare to find in an eatery (an exception is the Shoney's in Harrison, Arkansas, where they advertise them, as well as Dorothy's Front Porch in Port Arthur), people will go onto a river or pond/lake at night in a boat, shining a flashlight along the shore to see the light reflection in the frogs eyes. Once spotted they will move in close and "gig" the frog (stab the frog with a spear) .
The legs are traditionally cooked with an egg/cracker crumb breading. They are either fried or grilled.
[edit] Caribbean
Mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) are frogs named for their habitat and flavor which are eaten in Montserrat and Dominica. The frogs are now critically endangered. On the island of Jamaica, frog legs are sometimes eaten and are referred to as Spring grass with bugs.
[edit] Kerala
In many parts of Kerala, especially Central Kerala, frog legs are a delicacy. They are generally served in the fried form (commonly in local liquor shops Toddy Shops). Of late due to ban on poaching frogs, this dish has become a rarity and is available only illegaly.
