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Spanish Garlic Eggs, or Huevos con Ajos, are a simple yet flavorful dish, often considered one of the best ways to prepare fried eggs. The combination of eggs fried in extra virgin olive oil, along with a punch of garlic, creates a deliciously satisfying meal. Topped with a fresh parsley and garlic sauce, this dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (90 ml)
4 cage-free organic eggs
6 cloves garlic
2 tbsp chopped parsley (8 grams)
Pinch of sea salt
Dash of black pepper

Directions

In a mortar, roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic, add a pinch of sea salt, and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley. Using a pestle, mash until a paste forms. Mix in 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, then set aside.
Heat a small to medium-sized fry pan over medium heat and add 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil.
While the oil heats, thinly slice the remaining 4 cloves of garlic and crack the eggs into small bowls.
Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add half of the sliced garlic. Stir for 30-45 seconds until golden brown, then add 2 eggs. Place the garlic slices over the eggs to prevent them from cooking further.
After 1-2 minutes, once the eggs have a golden crust underneath, splash some hot oil over them to cook the whites. Remove the eggs from the pan, shaking off excess oil.
Repeat with the next batch of eggs.
Serve the eggs on a plate, season with sea salt and black pepper, and drizzle with the parsley-garlic sauce. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 512 kcal
Fat: 50g (77% of Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 9g (56% of Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 327mg (109% of Daily Value)
Sodium: 711mg (31% of Daily Value)
Potassium: 180mg (5% of Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 4g (1% of Daily Value)
Fiber: 0.3g (1% of Daily Value)
Sugar: 0.5g (1% of Daily Value)
Protein: 12g (24% of Daily Value)
Vitamin A: 813 IU (16% of Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 8mg (10% of Daily Value)
Calcium: 72mg (7% of Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (11% of Daily Value)

The Essence of Spanish Cuisine: Simplicity and Bold Flavors

Spanish cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. One of the cornerstones of Spanish cooking is the use of extra virgin olive oil, which adds a distinct richness to dishes. The oils used in Spanish cooking are typically full of flavor and offer a healthy fat profile, making them a staple in many households. In the case of Huevos con Ajos, the combination of extra virgin olive oil with the garlic creates a perfect harmony, enhancing the natural taste of the eggs. This dish highlights the essence of Spanish food—finding beauty in simplicity.

The Importance of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is extra virgin olive oil, a fundamental component in many Mediterranean diets, especially in Spain. Not only does it impart a rich and savory flavor, but it also provides numerous health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It is also packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. The oil serves as the base for cooking the garlic and eggs, allowing the flavors to meld together in a rich and satisfying way.

Garlic: A Flavorful Staple in Spanish Cooking

Garlic holds a special place in Spanish cooking, as it imparts a bold and aromatic flavor that elevates the dish to a new level. In Huevos con Ajos, garlic is used in two forms: roughly chopped and sliced. The first step involves mashing garlic with a pinch of sea salt and parsley, creating a paste that will later be drizzled over the fried eggs. The second form of garlic comes when it is thinly sliced and fried to a golden-brown crispiness, which is placed over the eggs. This dual use of garlic adds both a mellow depth and an intense bite, offering a multi-layered garlic experience that is both comforting and flavorful.

The Role of Eggs in the Dish

Eggs are the star of this dish, providing both protein and texture. When cooked in extra virgin olive oil, they develop a crispy, golden crust on the outside while maintaining a soft, runny yolk on the inside. The eggs serve as a neutral base that allows the garlic and olive oil to shine. While the eggs are typically fried, they can be cooked to your desired level of doneness, making them versatile for different tastes. For some, the runny yolk is essential, while others prefer a more cooked consistency. Regardless of your preference, the eggs provide a satisfying and nourishing element that makes this dish both hearty and comforting.

The Fresh Parsley-Garlic Sauce: A Flavor Booster

The final touch that elevates Huevos con Ajos is the parsley-garlic sauce. Made by mashing garlic, parsley, and olive oil together, the sauce adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish, balancing the richness of the fried eggs and garlic. The parsley provides a burst of color and freshness, while the garlic offers a sharp contrast to the oil’s richness. This sauce is not only an essential flavor component but also a great way to add a touch of brightness to the dish. The sauce is drizzled over the eggs right before serving, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Spanish Garlic Eggs

Huevos con Ajos, while incredibly flavorful, also offers a solid nutritional profile. The dish is rich in healthy fats due to the use of extra virgin olive oil, providing a good amount of monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. Eggs contribute protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A and iron. However, like most dishes with eggs and oil, it is important to consider portion size to balance the intake of fats and cholesterol. This dish offers a hearty meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or bread for a more balanced meal.

Ideal Pairings for Spanish Garlic Eggs

While Spanish Garlic Eggs can stand alone as a satisfying meal, they can also be paired with a variety of sides to enhance the dining experience. For breakfast or brunch, consider serving the dish with some toasted crusty bread or a fresh tomato salad to add crunch and acidity. For a heartier meal, you can serve the eggs with sautéed vegetables or a side of potatoes. In Spain, this dish might be enjoyed alongside a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea, depending on the time of day. The beauty of Huevos con Ajos is its adaptability, making it easy to pair with various foods to suit your taste.

Variations and Adaptations

While the traditional recipe for Spanish Garlic Eggs is simple and straightforward, it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes. For those who prefer a milder garlic flavor, reducing the amount of garlic used or opting for roasted garlic in place of raw garlic can soften the dish’s bite. Additionally, some variations of Huevos con Ajos include the addition of spices like paprika or chili flakes, which add a hint of smokiness or heat. You can also experiment with adding other fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano to the parsley-garlic sauce, depending on your preference. The dish is highly versatile, allowing for many creative twists.

Conclusion: A Simple, Flavorful Delight

In conclusion, Spanish Garlic Eggs (Huevos con Ajos) offer a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a few high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, eggs, and parsley, this dish transforms into a satisfying meal suitable for any time of day. The combination of crispy fried eggs, rich garlic, and fresh parsley sauce makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with complementary sides, Huevos con Ajos represents the beauty of Spanish cuisine—honoring the use of fresh, simple ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.