Champiñones al Ajillo for #SundaySupper

This week's #SundaySupper event is hosted by Tapa Toro restaurant in Orlando, Florida where many of the Sunday Supper tastemakers are attending the annual Food Wine Conference. I was bummed to miss the fun, but I have too many balls in the air this month with different events and competitions for both boys.

But, still, all of us can join in and take our readers on a culinary journey to Spain even if we can't be in Orlando enjoying contemporary Spanish cuisine at Tapa Toro. I was really intrigued by their paella pit and extensive selection of wines. Find Tapa Toro on the web, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram.

The word tapas is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, meaning “to cover.” And they are not so much a kind of a food as a Spanish way of eating. The food is brought out on a small plate that can act as a lid on top of a glass or mug, presumably to keep out dirt, dust, and bugs.

Tapas can be grouped into three broad categories, depending on how you eat them. Cosas de picar are things to nibble and generally refer to finger foods. Pinchos might require a toothpick or other small utensil to eat. And cazuelas usually are served in sauce, such as albóndigas.

All the Tapas Offerings...

Para Empezar, Las Tapas (Appetizers/tapas) -

• Apple, Chorizo, and Manchego Crostini by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Champiñones al Ajillo by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Chorizo and Sweet Potato Spanish Tortilla Bites by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Citrus & Fennel Marinated Olives by Go Epicurista
• Clams Casino Dip with Bacon by Girl Abroad
• Crab Enchilado Empanadas with Avocado Cream by Gourmet Everyday
• Deviled Eggs with Shrimp by Our Good Life
• Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) by Pook’s Pantry
• Garlicky Shrimp with Pancetta Olive Oil by Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Gazpacho Cucumber Bites by A Mind Full Mom
• Gildas Picantes – Spicy Anchovy Olive Skewers by Food Lust People Love
• Herbed and Spiced Almonds by Get the Good Stuff!
• How to make Beef Sweet Sour Meatballs with Pineapple for #SundaySupper by Asian In America
• Manchego Cheese & Chorizo Bites with Saffron Alioli by Hardly A Goddess
• Margarita Ceviche by The Crumby Cupcake
• Pinchos Morunos (Spanish Pork Skewers) with Mojo Picon by Curious Cuisiniere
• Roasted Bell Pepper Goat Cheese Bites by She Loves Biscotti
• Roasted Eggplant and Piquillo Pepper Toasts by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Roasted Red Peppers and Anchovies with Bruschetta by The Hungry Goddess
• Seared Scallops with Shredded Manchego and a Bleu Cheese Crumble by The Freshman Cook
• Serrano Ham & Goat Cheese Croquettes by My World Simplified
• Serrano Ham Bites with Melon and Cheese by Palatable Pastime
• Shrimp Romesco Bites by Cooking On The Ranch
• Smoked Sardine Crostini by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Spanish Garlic Shrimp by Life Tastes Good
• Tomato Gazpacho With Fried Avocado Bites by Nik Snacks
• Tortilla de Camarones by The Healthy Fit Foodie
• Tortilla Española by Monica’s Table
• White Wine Marinated Steak with Blue Cheese by Caroline’s Cooking
• Zanahorias Aliñadas (Spanish Marinated Carrots) by Tara's Multicultural Table

Postres (Desserts) -

• Buñuelos de Viento by Dessert Geek
• Chocolate Orange Macarons by Gluten Free Crumbley
• Chocolate Toasts with Apricot Jam by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce by Angels Home Sweet Homestead
• Churro Cupcakes by Pies and Plots
• Mini Vanilla Flans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecakes by The Redhead Baker

Bebidas (Drinks) -

• Tinto de Verano ~ A Sangria alternative by An Appealing Plan

Plus Alcachofas al Ajillo – Garlicky Artichokes – and Spanish Tapas Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

My Offering...

Champiñones al Ajillo

Spanish garlic mushrooms

A popular Spanish tapas, champiñones al ajillo is a bright mushroom dish sautéed with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and seasoned with herbs, salt, and pepper. A pinch of chili lends some nice heat. Enjoy this dish with a cold beer, chilled wine, and a some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 T extra virgin olive oil
• 8 oz brown mushrooms, wiped clean and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
• 1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• freshly ground salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 2 t fresh parsley, chopped
• pinch dried red chili flakes, optional
• bread for serving

Procedure 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add and cook the mushrooms for two minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.

If using, stir in the red chili flakes. Serve immediately on small plates with chunks of bread on the side.

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET.

Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It's easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.