Delicious ways to use black garlic in everyday cooking
Black garlic, a fermented version of regular garlic, is taking the culinary world by storm. With its sweet, umami-like flavor, it makes for an interesting addition to several dishes. Not only does it lend a unique taste, but black garlic is also packed with antioxidants and has several health benefits. Here's how you can add this versatile ingredient to your daily meals and amp up the flavor without overpowering it.
Elevate your pasta dishes
Adding black garlic to pasta dishes can elevate them significantly. Its mild sweetness complements tomato-based sauces or creamy alternatives well. Simply mash a few cloves and mix them into your sauce for a richer taste. You can also use it as a topping with olive oil and herbs for a simple, yet flavorful, finish on your spaghetti or fettuccine.
Enhance vegetable stir-fries
Incorporating black garlic into vegetable stir-fries can add depth to the flavors without overshadowing the natural taste of the vegetables. Slice or mince the cloves and toss them in with other ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. The heat will mellow its sweetness while allowing it to blend seamlessly with soy sauce or teriyaki glaze.
Transform your soups and broths
Black garlic is a great addition to soups and broths, giving them a subtle complexity. Add whole cloves while simmering for an hour or two so that they infuse their flavor throughout the dish. For pureed soups, blend black garlic with other ingredients like potatoes or tomatoes for an even distribution of its unique taste.
Create flavorful spreads
Making spreads with black garlic is super easy and adds a gourmet touch to sandwiches or crackers. Just mash together some black garlic with cream cheese or butter until smooth. Add herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness. This spread makes a great alternative to regular condiments, giving your snacks an unexpected twist.
Add depth to rice dishes
Incorporating black garlic into rice dishes can add layers of flavor without overpowering other ingredients. Sauté minced cloves in oil before adding rice grains. This allows their aroma to infuse the dish as it cooks. Whether you're making pilaf or fried rice, black garlic provides subtle notes that enhance rather than dominate the overall taste profile.