Pickled Garlic: A Hard-working Preserve

If you’re looking for another delicious and easy way to preserve your garlic bounty, look no further than pickled garlic! This simple recipe is a must-make for any garlic lover. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also very easy to make. In just a few short steps, you can have jars of delicious brined garlic that will last for months and is ready to use. So why not give it a try?

What exactly is pickled garlic? How is it different from fresh garlic?

Pickled garlic is simply garlic that you preserve in vinegar or another pickling solution (e.g. brine). The pickling process can help to mellow the strong taste of garlic, making it a bit sweeter and less pungent. You can use it in much the same way as you would use fresh garlic. The added bonus of the pickled version is that you can eat it straight out of the jar as a tasty snack! If you’re looking for a unique way to add flavour to your cooking, this is a great option to try.

Reasons to make pickled garlic

• Amongst the reasons to make homemade pickled garlic include it being a cost-effective way to preserve garlic for later use. Garlic prepared this way is great for adding flavour to dishes without using fresh garlic, which can sometimes be too strong.

• Pickling garlic, is easy to make and can be stored and enjoyed for extended periods.

• It is a versatile food ingredient which can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to pasta and pizza. It can also be added to sandwiches and wraps for an extra zesty kick.

If you’re looking for a way to add more flavour to your cooking, this version of garlic is an easy,reliable option. And with so many benefits, there’s no reason not to try making it at home.

Making Pickled Garlic

The process of pickling the garlic is quite simple. All you need is some garlic, vinegar, water, and salt. You can also add herbs and spices if you want to create a more complex flavour profile.

To start with, you simply combine the garlic, vinegar, water, and salt and briefly heat them together. Then start to add the prepared garlic cloves to the sterilized jar. Next, you pour over the pickling liquid, ensuring that the garlic is completely covered by the liquid. Store the jar in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. After two weeks, the pickled garlic will be ready to use.

The result is garlic that retains a fresh, more subtle and rounded taste and which still maintains all of the characteristic aromatic, flavorful goodness of a freshly harvested garlic bulb.

Then you can just extract the number of pickled cloves that you need, and either rinse them briefly under water ahead of using or if you want to benefit from the bonus vinegar flavour too, just use it as is. You can add it to salads, sandwiches, soups, or any other dish that could use a bit of extra flavour.

TIPS for Pickling Garlic

If you’re a fan of garlic, pickled garlic is a delicious way to enjoy it. The pickling process helps to preserve the garlic’s flavour and nutrition, while also giving it a unique taste.

Choose your garlic wisely.

The type of garlic you use will impact the final flavour of your pickled garlic. Certain variants of garlic are stronger and milder than others.

For the best flavour, choose garlic bulbs that are fresh and, ideally, organic.

Make sure that the garlic is not sprouting – this is a clear indicator that it is no longer fresh. The bulbs should be firm, and not soft. And it should smell of fresh garlic only, without any musty notes that could suggest mildew or mould.

Checking these aspects may realise a better outcome.

Pick the right pickling solution for your taste and purposes.

Vinegar and water are the most common pickling solutions. The types of vinegar (red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar) also bring their distinctive characteristics to the taste and look of the final product.

Add some spice.

When making pickled garlic you can season it further with spices like black peppercorns, bay leaves, dill, spice berries or basil to create a more enhanced, exotic flavour. Experiment to find your favourites.

Be patient.

It takes time for the pickling process to work its magic on the garlic cloves. For best results, let the pickled garlic sit for at least 2 weeks before eating it – the curing time.

Think about how you want to use this garlic. Once you have a goal in mind, it will be easier to choose the right pickling solution and seasoning blend.

Do not panic if the garlic turns blue!

It is still safe to eat and does not mean that it has spoiled. Garlic has amino acids and enzymes that can react with the sulphur compounds (which gives garlic its distinctive smell) and cause this colour change. Apparently, this is not that unusual.

Choose your salt.

Table salt, which contains anti-caking agents, can sometimes cause the pickling liquid to become cloudy. This should not affect the taste, but the end result may just not look as good as it could. Iodine-free salt can help you to avoid this risk.

If you plan to preserve masses of garlic cloves, you may want to consider using multiple smaller jars instead of larger jars – this will limit contamination risk once the jars are open in the refrigerator for extended periods. Available fridge space may however make this decision for you.

Suggestions for Use of Pickled Garlic

You can use the pickled garlic in all the ways you would use fresh garlic and more. It even works well when roasted.

• Add to a salad for a flavorful crunch.
• Use as a condiment with meat or fish dishes.
• Stir into hummus or guacamole.
• Mix with olive oil and vinegar to make a delicious dressing or marinade.
• Add chopped pickled garlic to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
• Sprinkle over cooked grains or pasta for extra flavour.
• Enjoy as a tasty snack on its own.
• When you have used up all the pickled garlic in a jar, the leftover pickling liquid is a good foundation for a salad dressing.

Start pickling garlic and extend the enjoyment of this flavorful vegetable! It’s easy to do and only requires a few simple ingredients. This recipe for pickled garlic does not take long to make, and it will last in your fridge for months. It is also an easy and money-saving way to ensure you always have garlic on hand anytime you need it. It is an often overlooked, super simple solution that can help you make the most of those cloves and cut down on potential food waste too.

So, if you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavour to your food and enjoy garlic for longer, pickling is the way to go. Start pickling garlic today!

For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.