The last time I ate Jellied Eels was when I lived in London. There was a tiny 'Eels and Pie' bar in The City near to where I worked, and occasionally I would treat myself.
I was very surprised yesterday to find this tub in Sainsbury's. I just had to have them.
They're not everyone's cup of tea, especially those who assess with their eyes rather than their taste buds. They don't look that appealing; but then nor do Oysters or Spiney Crabs.
I suppose the only bit most people would complain about are the bones that run through the middle, but once the technique of removing them is mastered, it is no longer a problem.
The flavour of the Eels themselves is very pleasant, as is the Jelly that surrounds them. Would I buy them again? I'm thinking about it; maybe in a few weeks time.
Verdict: 8/10
25 comments:
I have never had them, but looking at those, I would be willing to try a little taste! Can you suggest what other " fish" they might taste like?
I say fish, but I can't really think of them as fish! (Water snakes would be a better name)
They have a very slight fish flavour; very difficult to describe. I believe they are cooked with vinegar and spices which must lend some part of the flavour.
Memories of being with my Grandmother somewhere near Ridley Road, N London, in the late1950s. Green tiled 'shop' with eels, mash and The Liquor together not that nice, I think that the eels spoilt it!
I remember being horrified as a child watching my dad eating a tub of jellied eels. They looked like grey gloop, nothing like yours.
Ha ha, they really aren't to everyone's taste, but I suspect it's mostly to do with what they look like,
Their presentation could do with a update, that's for sure, but it's the flavour that counts. They're very nice.
I've never tasted jellied eels but I'm sure they're delicious. The seawater eels here have a lot of bones too.
I know one person who would like them even if they are traditional English and not Greek.
Of course the name of the town where you went to school - Ely - is so named because of the wealth of eels in the surrounding waterways in past times. I guess you had eels for breakfast, lunch and supper.
I suppose I could eat an eel if I was starving however...........
I'm sure he would. He sounds like someone who likes good food; full stop!
I have not tried eels, yet. I have heard family stories of my great grandfather bringing home fresh eels for my great grandmother to cook.
Of course, that's why there's hardly any Eels left in the dykes that cover the area. The one's above are, I presume, imported.
They are luxury food, not starvation food. Smoked Eel is even more luxurious, but I've never found any.
I love smoked eels. Not so keen on the jellied kind.
Horrible creatures Eels. They are unpleasant when alive, but delicious when transformed.
I just wrote above that I've not found smoked Eels anywhere, I believe they are really delicious.
I like jellied eels ..... the only bit I'm not keen on is the skin so I just peel it off ! Have you had elvers ? I had some in a French restaurant once .... they were delicious as well. XXXX
I feel sick
I know, I know, the eels probably have no connection to snakes whatsoever, but just their appearance is enough to make me head in the other direction. to me, they are just misnamed water snakes!
I did not know you could eat eels and have never seen them in the market or on offer at a restaurant. How do you prepare them?
Yes, me too; in a French restaurant. Very nice, but also very expensive these days.
Go on; force yourself!
People do eat snakes as well, although I never have. I would try them if offered.
They are chopped into pieces then boiled with vinegar, herbs, and spices. The jelly is natural, and sets overnight. Here we associate them with poverty in the East End of London.
My mum used to eat smoked eels but I was very young and didn't want to taste them.
Post a Comment