Garlic is one of our very favorite ingredients because of its flavor and benefits to our health and our garden — but also because of its ties to so much folklore and superstition. Vampires? Protection against evil spirits? Never enough garlic.
A member of the allium family, garlic produces allicin when crushed or chopped. Allicin is responsible for the characteristic pungent smell but also many of garlic’s health benefits like helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system.
Garlic also keeps disease at bay in the garden when it is used in companion planting to repel pests and insects from other crops.
Whether it’s the main ingredient or a flavor enhancer, garlic has unmistakable, yet varied, impacts on dishes. In spring, green garlic boasts a stronger onion flavor while dried garlic in the winter brings warmth to hearty dishes.
Try one of the recipes below to get more garlic goodness.
Spiced Ginger-Garlic Paste
Ginger-garlic paste is a staple condiment used in everyday Indian cooking as the base for a sauce or marinade. In addition to ginger and garlic, this variation also includes coriander seeds, fennel seeds and cilantro leaves, which add brightness to seafood dishes.
Recipe from Edible Boston
Gambes al’ Ajillo
If you have small cast-iron skillets, it is fun to serve this dish in true Spanish tapa style with the shrimp and garlic still sizzling.
Recipe from Edible Austin
Roasted Garlic Cassoulet
This rustic dish highlights beans cooked slowly with garlic and salty meat. Serve it with a fresh green salad and some good fresh bread.
Recipe from Edible Michiana
Green Garlic Lamb Chops with Mint Chutney
The gentle nature of green garlic is the ideal complement to the richness of lamb chops — mint chutney keeps things fresh.
Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic & Parmesan
The key to perfecting this dish is a hot oven and roasting it all long enough so the cauliflower is well and truly tender and starting to brown along its edges. Add a spritz of lemon at the end and a handful of chopped parsley, mint or dill before serving.
Celery Root & Leek Soup with Green Garlic Gremolata
Gremolata is an Italian condiment made of parsley, garlic and lemon zest. This version uses springtime’s bounty of green garlic.
Recipe from Edible Monterey Bay
Caramelized Garlic & Onion Bisque
Using a variety of alliums makes the final dish subtly different each time you prepare it. Cooking the onions and garlic slowly over low heat allows them to caramelize, releasing the sugars and creating a lovely nutty flavor.
Recipe from Edible New Mexico
Green Garlic Leek & Potato No-Knead Focaccia
This no-knead focaccia can be mixed and ready to eat the same day. Toppings can be switched up based on what’s in season, but this combination is a favorite for spring.
Recipe from Edible Chicago
Roasted Garlic & Cheddar Biscuits
The addition of roasted garlic and Cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough takes this classic side dish up two notches.
Recipe from Edible Ottawa
