Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
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Garlic Shrimp, or Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring shrimp sautéed in a generous amount of olive oil with sliced garlic and a touch of dried chili pepper for heat. It's a simple yet flavorful staple from Spain, often served sizzling in a small earthenware dish with crusty bread for dipping.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the olive oil, while being very low in carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants, with a rough calorie estimate of 250-350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Gambas al Ajillo is a quintessential part of Spanish tapas culture, meant to be shared and enjoyed with a drink. Nutritionally, the generous use of olive oil not only carries the garlic flavor but also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.