Single-Shelled Mollusks

Conch, also known by its Italian name scungilli, is a warm-water mollusk with a coiled shell. Scungilli (skun GEE lee) is popular in salads and served with pasta in a marinara sauce. It is widely available canned, fully cleaned and ready to use. Frozen conch is also available, while fresh conch can be found in limited markets.

Abalone (ab ah LOW nee or AB ah low nee) is a large, single-shelled Pacific mollusk, about 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) across, that uses a large foot to attach itself to rocks. It is not widely available and is expensive. After shelling, the abalone is cleaned and the foot, as well as the outer skin and viscera, are removed. The meat is usually tenderized by pounding.