Garlicky Spanish Mushrooms Tapas
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain with Garlicky Spanish Mushrooms, a classic tapas dish that brings the essence of a Spanish tapas bar straight to your table. These mushrooms, known as Champiñones al Ajillo in Spain, are sautéed to perfection in high-quality Spanish olive oil with hints of smoked paprika and sherry wine. The dish is served warm, paired ideally with crusty bread, and is best enjoyed with a refreshing glass of Spanish wine. This simple yet elegant appetizer is the perfect way to begin any meal or to delight guests at your next gathering. Crafted from top-notch ingredients, it promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin Spanish olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
medium mushrooms
1/2 lb (stemmed, quartered)
garlic cloves
4 (peeled, thinly sliced)
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (none)
dry Spanish sherry wine
2 tablespoons (avoid cooking sherry)
chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/4 cup (none)
Spanish smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
lemon slices
2 (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until warm but not smoking. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2
Introduce the quartered mushrooms to the pan, stirring occasionally, and cook for approximately 1 minute until they begin to soften.
3
Pour in the fresh lemon juice, dry sherry wine, and chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld and the mushrooms are tender.
5
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.
6
Enjoy this dish by scooping up the succulent mushrooms with crusty bread. Pair with a chilled glass of Spanish wine for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spanish name for Garlicky Spanish Mushrooms?
In Spain, this classic tapas dish is traditionally known as Champiñones al Ajillo.
How many servings does this mushroom recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What type of olive oil is best for this dish?
High-quality extra virgin Spanish olive oil is recommended to provide the most authentic flavor.
Can I use cooking sherry for the mushrooms?
No, it is recommended to use dry Spanish sherry wine and avoid bottles specifically labeled as "cooking sherry."
Is this Spanish mushroom recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by opting for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of medium mushrooms, which should be stemmed and quartered.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe uses 4 garlic cloves that have been peeled and thinly sliced.
What gives the mushrooms their smoky flavor?
The smoky essence comes from using 1/2 teaspoon of Spanish smoked paprika.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick thanks to the addition of 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long does it take to simmer the mushrooms?
Once all liquids and spices are added, let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
What is the recommended garnish for Garlicky Spanish Mushrooms?
The dish is garnished with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped Italian parsley and served with lemon slices.
What should I serve with this tapas dish?
It is best served warm with crusty bread to scoop up the flavorful juices.
What type of wine pairs well with these mushrooms?
A chilled glass of Spanish wine is the ideal pairing for an authentic tapas experience.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies fresh lemon juice for the brightest and most authentic flavor.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients including the mushrooms, liquids, spices, and garnishes.
Should the oil be smoking hot before adding garlic?
No, the oil should be warm but not smoking to ensure the garlic does not burn immediately.
What is the texture of the mushrooms once cooked?
The mushrooms should be tender and succulent after simmering in the broth and wine mixture.
Is this recipe considered a quick dish?
Yes, with short sauté and simmer times, it is tagged as a "quick" and "easy" recipe.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, both chicken and vegetable broth work perfectly in this recipe.
What type of parsley is used?
Fresh Italian parsley is used for its flavor and vibrant color.
Is this dish suitable for a party?
Absolutely, it is categorized as "party food" and makes for an elegant appetizer.
How should the mushrooms be cut?
They should be stemmed and quartered to ensure they cook evenly and are bite-sized.
Does the recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste during the cooking process.
What is the primary liquid base for the sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, dry sherry, and broth.
Is this a Mediterranean diet friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Mediterranean dish featuring heart-healthy olive oil and vegetables.
How much sherry wine is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dry Spanish sherry wine.
Can this be served cold?
While some tapas can be cold, these mushrooms are best enjoyed when served immediately and warm.
What is the main aromatic used in the dish?
Garlic is the primary aromatic, hence the name "Garlicky Spanish Mushrooms."
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin Spanish olive oil.