Animelles

Animelles is the culinary term for a type of offal, the testicles of animals, especially young rams, when used as food. They are skinned and usually soaked in cold water for two to three hours before preparation. They used to be much in vogue in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy but their popularity declined considerably in recent years. However in the U.S. they became popular as an Italian delicacy known as Lamb Fries, and in the mid-western U.S., more specifically around Southern Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, buffalo, bull or boar testicles are known as Rocky Mountain oysters.

A French recipe for "Lamb Fries" ("animelles de moutons frites") is as follows: Animelles are marinated in tarragon vinegar, aromatic herbs (parsley, bay leaf, and thyme) and a chopped onion for an hour. Then, they are drained and sprinkled with lemon juice, floured with wheat flour and fried in butter and garnished with parsley.