As unpleasant as it sounds the dangers of global warming are causing people to look for other sources of protein. As 80% of the world’s population already eats insects, it might not be too long before you find dishes like “Red Ant Stir-fry†and “Scorpion Soup†appearing on the menu of your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Insect protein is much easier to raise than conventional sources of protein. Insects need less water to grow and less energy. That’s because insects don’t need to grow feathers, horns or any other pointless, inedible extras. They also require less space and breed like, well insects. Let’s take a look at some of the world's most delicious insect dishes.
1. Cheesy Mayo June Beetle Dip
For this nutritious recipe, simply blend cottage cheese, lemon juice, skimmed milk and spices. Once a smooth creamy consistency is attained, add whole June bugs for a crunchy texture. Be sure to remove their wings and heads. June bugs contain 13.4g of protein, so they are perfect for growing kids or after a long work out at the gym. This recipe is apparently sweeping through Maine and Arizona, proving once and for all that bugs are coming back in style.
2. Water Beetle a la Cr�me
Although the look of this dish is enough to give small children nightmares, this concoction is a popular dinner in Asia and India. Add 250 grams of water beetles to a pot of boiling water containing a little salt and soda, and boil for 2 minutes until tender. Put your water beetles into a saucepan, and season with salt, butter and cream.
Garnish water beetles with herbs and serve it hot. Giant water beetles contain 19.8g of protein, 13.6mg of iron and a whopping 43.5mg of calcium per 100g. This dish may keep the dentist away, but it’s going to be a while until it catches on outside of the Orient.
3. Locust Stew
Probably the most revolting, or should we say challenging, aspect of cooking locusts is in the preparation. Willing foodies will first remove the wings, then the small legs and the spiky ends of the hind legs. Lastly, pull off the head, which should take with it any attached viscera.
If you imagine that the giant locust is in fact a mutated prawn, this is easier to accomplish. Boil the locusts in saltwater, add frozen vegetables, butter, salt and vinegar and cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve over rice and crunch into that bad boy!
4. Grasshopper Kebabs
Grasshoppers are one of the most nutritious insects in the world, as they contain 20g of protein and very little fat. Clearly the hopping keeps them nice and trim. Collect some grasshoppers by running a box along the ground and watch as they jump inside, unaware of the culinary horror that awaits them.
Be sure to wash these critters before popping them in the freezer. Heat the oven to 180 degrees. In the mean time you can prepare your favorite marinade. Once the bugs are frozen, skewer them together with green peppers, onion, pineapple and potato cubes. Finger licking good.
5. Crunchy Dung Beetle Fritters
For many unwary readers, the appeal of deep fried food is forever lost – thanks to this recipe. Take a cup of sifted flour, a bit of baking powder, salt, milk, 1 egg and 180g of dung beetles. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together into a bowl.
Slowly add milk and beat until smooth. Add the egg and beat them again, beat them until they’re dead! Pluck off your dung beetles head, wings and legs. Finally, dip them into the egg batter and deep fry. It changes the entire meaning of ‘eh, what could it be?’
6. Crickets on Sticks
This is one of the easier dishes to prepare and the most nutritious. Like a scene out of Survivor, simply skewer crickets onto a long stick, salt and roast over an open flame until crispy. Now that the easy parts over, you have to eat them. Fear not – crickets contain a lot of natural iron, so it’ll keep your strength up while you savor the rest.
7. Caterpillar Sushi
This is for those insect lovers that prefer a stylish arrangement of their food. Bet you thought all bug food was hideous, didn’t you! Place your fresh caterpillars onto your rice molds and garnish with mayo, avocado and sesame seeds. This is not to be confused with caterpillar-free caterpillar rolls that you can get at your local Japanese restaurant. Always ask just in case.
