Garlicky Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Garlicky Shrimp is a very traditional “tapa” and “racion” in Spain,  this popular dish belongs to the wide tavern culture so unique in the “Piel de Toro” .  Some bars offer it as its highlight “tapa”, like “La Casa del Abuelo” in Madrid.

Ingredients for 2 people:

-½ Kg. (1 Lb.) Fresh Shrimp.

-4 Garlic Cloves.

-Olive Oil.

-1 Cayenne Pepper.

-Salt.

-Ground Parsley

Peel the shrimp and remove the heads,  (you can keep them in the freeze to make a broth base for another recipe like paella) keep them aside. Slice finely the garlic cloves and add them along with the cayenne pepper to a ceramic pot (if you do not have one use a deep pan) with a 1/2 inch of EVOO, the heat has to be medium.

When the garlic is golden, add the peeled shrimp, turn off the heat, just with the remaining heat the shrimp will cook, use a plate as a lid and cover the ceramic pot with it to keep the heat inside, don’t let them cook too much. Serve in the same ceramic pot, season with a pinch of salt and decorate with ground parsley. And that’s all, SO EASY!!