Whole Garlic Appetizer

This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer transforms whole heads of garlic into a tender, aromatic delicacy. By simmering the garlic with sweet red onions, celery, carrots, and a blend of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, the harsh bite of raw garlic mellows into a sweet, savory spread. The addition of white wine vinegar and dry white wine creates a bright, tangy pickling liquid that penetrates the cloves, enhancing their natural flavor. The result is a versatile condiment perfect for spreading on crusty French bread rounds or crackers. It also makes an excellent relish for salads or a sophisticated starter for dinner parties. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this dish offers a sophisticated yet rustic touch to any meal.

Cooking Method: Sautéing, Stewing

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Appetisers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 8

Calories: 796.7

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer transforms whole heads of garlic into a tender, aromatic delicacy. By simmering the garlic with sweet red onions, celery, carrots, and a blend of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, the harsh bite of raw garlic mellows into a sweet, savory spread. The addition of white wine vinegar and dry white wine creates a bright, tangy pickling liquid that penetrates the cloves, enhancing their natural flavor. The result is a versatile condiment perfect for spreading on crusty French bread rounds or crackers. It also makes an excellent relish for salads or a sophisticated starter for dinner parties. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this dish offers a sophisticated yet rustic touch to any meal.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Olive oil
8 Whole Heads fresh garlic
2 lg Sweet red onions, quartered
1 tablespoon Whole peppercorns
4 Stalks Celery, chopped
4 md Carrots, sliced
1/4 teaspoon Each, rosemary, thyme,

Directions

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Peel the outer papery covering from the garlic heads and cut a 1/2 inch slice from the top of each head to expose the cloves, keeping the heads intact.
3
Add the garlic heads, quartered red onions, and whole peppercorns to the skillet and sautÃÂ© for 3 minutes.
4
Add the chopped celery, sliced carrots, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, coriander, and basil to the skillet.
5
SautÃÂ© the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Pour in the white wine vinegar, dry white wine, water, bay leaves, and dry mustard.
7
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
8
Stir in the drained green chiles and simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
9
Remove from heat and strain the mixture, reserving the softened garlic heads and 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
10
Place the garlic heads in a flat baking dish and pour the reserved liquid over them.
11
Cover the dish and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 796.7kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32.1g50%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 158.8mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 119.1g40%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g50%
Sugars 11.2g
Protein 21.9g44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve cold as an appetizer by spreading the softened garlic cloves on French bread rounds or crackers.

The garlic can also be eaten plain as a relish course, or the cloves can be peeled and mixed into salads for a mild garlic flavor.

Additional ingredients mentioned in the original source include: 3/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 1/2 cup water, 8 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, and about 4 oz. canned picked green chiles.

Herbs listed in the original source but not in the ingredients list: Oregano, marjoram, basil, and coriander. Add to taste if available.

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The flavor develops and improves after a day or two.

Keywords: appetizer, garlic, mediterranean, olive oil, onions, herbs, vinegar, wine, relish, spread, celery, carrots, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, vegan, pickled, simmered, flavorful, easy

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/whole-garlic-appetizer/