Smoked pickled garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavors of various dishes. Whether you're creating a charcuterie board, adding a tangy kick to sautéed vegetables, or brightening up an antipasto salad, pickled garlic is the perfect addition. Its crisp bite and gentle vinegar acidity give it a unique flavor profile that is both invigorating and delicious.
Making Smoked Pickled Garlic
Creating your own smoked pickled garlic is surprisingly simple and requires just a few ingredients. With only 15 minutes of active prep time and eight hours for chilling, you can have a jar of this flavorful condiment ready to enhance your meals.
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Garlic Cloves
Start by briefly boiling the garlic cloves until they become tender. Once cooked, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool down. Once cooled, drain the garlic and transfer it to a jar.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
In a pot, boil water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper until the sugar and salt dissolve. This flavorful brine will infuse the garlic with its tangy and aromatic qualities.
Step 3: Store and Enjoy
Pour the warm brine over the garlic in the jar. Allow it to cool, then seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate it. The pickled garlic will be ready to use after it has chilled for at least eight hours. Stored in the fridge, it can last up to four months, ensuring you have a delicious condiment on hand for many meals and gatherings to come.
Ingredients for Smoked Pickled Garlic
To make smoked pickled garlic, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Four heads of garlic
- Distilled water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Black peppercorns
- Mustard seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Optional: Crushed red pepper for an extra kick
This recipe is also easily scalable, allowing you to double or triple the quantities if you have extra garlic on hand.
Ways to Enjoy Pickled Garlic
Pickled garlic can be used in various ways to enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes. The garlic-flavored liquid and the garlic cloves themselves can both be utilized to add a bold and tangy twist.
Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy pickled garlic:
- Add it to vegetable sautés for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair it with meat or fish dishes to elevate their taste profiles.
- Create a wow-worthy addition to charcuterie boards by including pickled garlic.
- Toss it into antipasto salads to add a tangy kick.
With its robust garlicky taste, balanced by a subtle vinegar flavor, pickled garlic can also be enjoyed on its own as a flavor-packed snack. The aromatics come through nicely, and the touch of sweetness from the sugar adds an extra dimension to the flavor profile.
How long does pickled garlic last?
When stored in the refrigerator, pickled garlic can last up to four months. It's important to note that you should not store the mixture at room temperature, as it can quickly develop mold. If you notice any signs of mold or yeast growth on the surface of the vinegar, it's best to discard both the cloves and the liquid.
Can pickled garlic be eaten by itself?
Absolutely! Pickled garlic can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful snack. Its strong garlicky taste, balanced with a subtle vinegar tang, makes it a delicious and satisfying treat. Just be prepared for some garlic breath afterwards!
In conclusion, smoked pickled garlic is a simple yet flavorful condiment that can elevate the taste of your dishes. With its tangy and aromatic qualities, it adds a unique twist to various recipes. Whether you enjoy it on its own or incorporate it into your favorite dishes, pickled garlic is a versatile ingredient that will surely enhance your culinary creations.
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