Why Ottolenghi and everyone else is obsessed with black garlic
Move over salt and pepper, there’s a new pantry powerhouse in town! Ottolenghi is singing the praises of black garlic, and we’re right there with him. This funky ingredient is like a flavor explosion in your mouth, with hints of licorice, balsamic, and of course, garlic. But it’s not just a one-trick pony – black garlic adds depth and complexity to everything from risottos to salads, purées to pizzas.
But what the heck is black garlic, you ask? Well, it’s not some exotic, hard-to-find ingredient – it’s just regular old garlic that’s been aged and fermented into something resembling a sticky, pungent date. And the best part? Unlike its harsh raw counterpart, black garlic can be added directly to your dishes without overwhelming them with garlicky goodness. So go ahead, add a few cloves (or a lot) of black garlic to your next culinary creation, and watch as your taste buds do a happy dance.
How Black Garlic is Made
Black garlic is made by fermenting whole heads of garlic at a controlled temperature and humidity for several weeks. The process involves exposing the garlic to high heat and humidity, which causes it to undergo a Maillard reaction, resulting in a dark color and a sweet, molasses-like flavor. The fermentation process breaks down the sugars and amino acids in the garlic, creating new compounds that give it its unique taste and aroma. During the fermentation process, the garlic cloves become soft and black, with a slightly chewy texture.
There are several methods for making black garlic, but the most common involves using a specialized fermentation machine that can control temperature and humidity levels. The garlic heads are placed inside the machine and left to ferment for 2-4 weeks, depending on the desired flavor and texture.
Using Black Garlic in Recipes
Black garlic can be used in a variety of recipes to add depth of flavor and complexity. Here are a few ideas on how to use black garlic in your cooking:
- Spread it on bread: Mash black garlic cloves with butter or cream cheese and spread on toast or bread for a flavorful twist on traditional garlic bread.
- Add to sauces and marinades: Black garlic adds a sweet and savory flavor to sauces and marinades. Try adding it to barbecue sauce, pasta sauce, or salad dressings for a unique flavor boost.
- Use as a garnish: Finely chop black garlic and use it as a garnish on top of soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
- Make a black garlic aioli: Mix black garlic with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt to make a delicious aioli that can be used as a dipping sauce or spread.
- Incorporate into dips: Puree black garlic with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice to make a flavorful hummus. Or mix it with yogurt and cucumber for a tasty tzatziki dip.
- Pair with meats: Black garlic pairs well with meats like beef, pork, and lamb. Try adding it to meat rubs, marinades, or sauces for a unique twist on classic dishes.
Remember that black garlic has a sweeter and milder flavor than fresh garlic, so you may need to use more of it to achieve the desired flavor in your recipes. Get organic black garlic here and give it a try today!
