al ajillo
/al axiʝo/from spelling rules
al ajillo is the Spanish way to say "garlic-style" or "prepared with garlic."
This phrase is typically used on menus to describe how a protein (like shrimp or mushrooms) is cooked, usually in olive oil and garlic.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ajillo is a diminutive form of ajo (garlic), literally meaning "little garlic" or referring to a garlic-based preparation. The phrase al ajillo uses the contraction al (a + el), which translates to "in the [style of] garlic".
How do you pronounce it?
/al axiʝo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, gambas al ajillo is often served sizzling in the same clay pot used for cooking, and it is customary to soak up the remaining garlic-infused oil with crusty bread.
- The suffix -illo in ajillo creates a diminutive, but in Spanish cooking, this often implies a specific technique or a concentrated flavor rather than just a small size.
- The word ajo comes from the Latin allium, which is still used today as the scientific genus name for all garlic species.
Examples in context
- gambas al ajilloGarlic shrimp
- Me encanta el camarón al ajillo.I love shrimp al ajillo.
- Preparé unos champiñones al ajillo para la cena.I prepared some garlic mushrooms for dinner.
- El pescado al ajillo es mi especialidad.Garlic-cooked fish is my specialty.
Example conversation
At a Spanish restaurant.
- Elena¿Qué me recomiendas de la carta?What do you recommend from the menu?
- JavierEl pulpo al ajillo está delicioso.The garlic-cooked octopus is delicious.
- ElenaPerfecto, pediré ese plato.Perfect, I will order that dish.
- JavierExcelente elección, Elena.Excellent choice, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
