Sea Grasshoppers Gratin (Cicale di mare gratinate)

The most difficult part of this dish is... finding the Sea Grasshoppers. In italy they are very common, but it can be very difficult to find them abroad. I had the chance to get them very fresh just few days before to leave Italy...  I cooked them with my mother... her favourite way: filled with a bread, parmesan and parsley mixture then baked in the oven. Simply delicious! I reccomend this recipe to you, it can be a perfect  starter for your fish based dinners!

Serves 4
Ingredients:
12 sea grasshoppers (cicale di mare)
150g day old bread
50g bread crumbs
1+ 1/2  tbs grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
6  tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tbs dry white wine
1small bunch of fresh parsley
1 garlic clove
salt and peper to taste

Instructions:

Wash and open lenghtside the upper part of the grasshoppers with a good knife, keep aside. Preheat the over at 180°C. Prepare the filling mixture. In a food mixer mix all the other ingredients and 3 tbs of olive oil and the white wine.

Fill each grasshopper with the mixture and place them on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Pour the remaining olive oil on the top. Bake 180°C for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Your Sea Grasshopper Gratin is ready! Serve warm. Buon Appetito!