Mouth-Watering Grilled Elephant Garlic – A Must-Try Recipe
Are you tired of the same old garlic recipes? Looking to spice things up at your next BBQ? Well, you’re in luck because I have just the recipe for you! Introducing the Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe, guaranteed to take your taste buds on a wild ride.
But first, let me tell you a little bit about elephant garlic. Hailing from the fields of a California farm, this giant garlic clove is much milder than regular garlic and has a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.
So why not give it a try at your next outdoor get-together? Fire up the grill, grab some aluminum foil, and let’s get started on this mouthwatering garlic recipe. Trust me, once you taste this grilled elephant garlic, you’ll never go back to regular garlic again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe that will bring your taste buds to life? Look no further than this Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe. This recipe is the perfect blend of savory and sweet and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater. But why exactly will you love this recipe?
First and foremost, this recipe features elephant garlic, which is a more mild and sweet cousin to the traditional garlic we all know and love. Elephant garlic bulbs are much larger than regular garlic bulbs and when grilled, they become tender, juicy and almost buttery in texture.
But it’s not just the unique flavor of elephant garlic that sets this recipe apart. The grilling process allows for the sugar in the garlic to caramelize, giving it a slightly sweet flavor that balances perfectly with its earthy undertones. All of this smoky goodness can be achieved with just a few simple ingredients – olive oil, salt and pepper – making it easy to whip up a delicious summer side dish.
But perhaps the best part of this recipe is its versatility. Grilled elephant garlic spears can be served as a standalone dish, as a topping for pizza or roasted vegetables or even diced up and added to your favorite sauces or dips. The options are truly endless.
In short, you’ll love this recipe because it offers something truly unique – giant garlic cloves that are smoky, sweet and versatile all at once. So if you’re ready to take your summer barbecue to the next level, give this Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients for this Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe. To make this delicious recipe, you will need:
Ingredients:
- 4 whole elephant garlic bulbs
- 4 tbsp. of olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
That’s it! With just three simple ingredients we can make a dish that is packed with flavor. Don’t let the few ingredients fool you, the elephant garlic takes front stage in this recipe, providing all the flavor our taste buds could ask for.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get grilling! In this section, I’ll walk you through each step of the recipe to make sure your Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe turns out perfectly delicious.
Preparation
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Preheat the grill: Turn on your grill and heat it up to high heat. You want your grill to reach around 400°F.
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Prepare the Elephant Garlic: Cut 1/4 inch off the top of each garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Then cut a 1/2-inch off the bottom so that they can stand upright.
Note: It’s important to cut a portion off the top of the garlic so that as they cook, thermal energy can get inside and roast them deeply.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil and Seasoning: Place garlic bulbs in an aluminum foil pouch, drizzle each garlic bulb with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to add some herbs like rosemary or thyme into the foil pouch for extra flavor.
- Close and Seal Foil Pouch: Wrap each bulb of garlic in aluminum foil tightly to create a sealed pouch. Make sure that no air can escape or enter.
Tip: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil instead of a regular foil to avoid breakage during grilling process.
Grilling
- Grill Roasted Elephant Garlic: Place pre-made foil pouch onto the grill rack and close the lid. Allow elephant garlic to cook for 45-50 minutes, or until cloves are golden brown and soft when pierced with a knife.
Note: Always check garlic every 10 minutes while grilling to ensure that there is no burn or uneven cooking.
Serving
Once grilled, remove elephant garlic from heat source, let it cool for about 5 minutes, then press on the bottom of each clove with a fork and pull them apart from the skin. Serve warm cloves as a side dish or chopped/minced as an ingredient in your favorite recipe.
Now you know how easy it is to make Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe. Stay tuned for substitutions and variations on this classic recipe coming up next!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking with garlic, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations. In this recipe, you can experiment with different types of garlic beyond the elephant garlic.
For a slightly sweeter flavor, try using roasted regular garlic bulbs or whole garlic confit. These varieties are great for spreading on toasted bread or as a dip for veggies.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using giant garlic cloves from the allium ampeloprasum plant, which is also known as elephant ear garlic or giant wild leek. This hearty variety boasts a somewhat milder flavor than traditional garlic and makes for great grilling.
Another variation is to incorporate some chopped/minced herbs into your olive oil and garlic mixture for an added layer of flavor. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil work particularly well here.
As for substituting the main ingredient – elephant garlic – it is best to use true garlic varieties such as German white or California late in the season when elephant garlic is not available. Regardless of which substitute you choose, be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.
Overall, don’t be afraid to play around with different types of garlic (and even other alliums) and experiment with different herbs and spices to make this grilled garlic recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
Dig in and let your taste buds indulge in the divine flavors of this grilled elephant garlic recipe. When you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the garlic bulb from the foil pouch, making sure not to burn yourself on its hot surface. Once you’ve unpacked this treasure, it’s time to get creative with pairing.
There’s something special about pairing foods that complement each other perfectly. And while elephant garlic has a unique flavor all its own, matching it with the right dishes can create an outstanding combination. One option is to use your grilled elephant garlic as a side dish for a steak or meat-based entrée. The roasted flavor of the garlic pairs perfectly with savory dishes, adding a new layer of complexity to its taste. It also goes great with grilled fish, such as salmon or swordfish, that will appreciate its heavenly aroma.
Alternatively, plated alongside charred vegetables or a peppery salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, you can enhance the garlic’s natural flavor profile – this is especially true when serving roasted elephant garlic among fresh greens like arugula and watercress. Its unique taste also pairs well with other dishes that have bold flavors like grilled mushrooms and roasted red peppers.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try spreading it over fresh bread for a delicious and rousing appetizer. The creamy texture of the elephant garlic will play nicely with the crunch of sliced baguettes, making it perfect for creating dips too! You can easily make an extraordinary herb-infused occasion by blending chopped minced herbs such as thyme and rosemary together with your grilled elephant garlic to create an original recipe that everyone will love!
In summary, there are many ways to pair this fantastic grilled elephant garlic recipe with different meals – it all depends on your preferences and pairing expertise! But one thing is sure – the end product will make every dinner party memorable!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You may be wondering what to do with your leftover roasted elephant garlic, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. This recipe is great for making ahead of time, so you can store it for future use.
When you’re ready to store your grilled elephant garlic, make sure to let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. You can then store it in the fridge for up to a week.
If you want to reheat the garlic, simply pop it onto the grill for a few minutes or heat it up in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until it’s warmed through.
The beauty of this recipe is that the grilled elephant garlic can be used in so many different ways. Add it to salads, pasta dishes, or just spread it on bread for a quick snack. You can even turn it into a dip by blending it with some olive oil and chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.
I recommend storing the garlic in a jar filled with olive oil and herbs to keep it fresh for longer periods of time. This also makes for a great homemade gift that will get rave reviews from any foodie.
Overall, this is an incredibly versatile recipe that you can easily make-ahead and store. So go ahead and stock up on those giant garlic cloves, because once you taste this heavenly grilled elephant garlic, you’ll want to have it on hand all year round.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you have ever tried to grill garlic, you may have found that it can be a tricky and time-consuming process. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly grilled elephant garlic every time.
First, it is important to make sure that your grill is preheated before placing the garlic on it. This will ensure that the garlic cooks evenly and does not burn. I recommend using a medium heat setting and allowing enough time for the grill to reach this temperature.
Next, consider cutting the top off of the elephant garlic bulbs before grilling. This will allow for the heat to penetrate more easily into each clove, resulting in a more even cooking process. Drizzle olive oil over each exposed clove then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Another great tip is to wrap the garlic in aluminum foil to create a foil pouch. Place the pouch on the grill and allow it to cook for at least 35-40 minutes or until tender. This method will trap heat and moisture inside the pouch, resulting in perfectly cooked garlic.
If you prefer grilled herbs infused with garlic flavor, place a bunch of fresh rosemary or thyme on top of your foil-wrapped garlic bulbs before sealing tightly in foil pouch.
Finally, when grilling elephant garlic spears or slices, keep an eye on them during cooking and turn them frequently for even browning on all sides.
With these tips, you are sure to impress your guests with perfectly grilled elephant garlic every time.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make the perfect grilled elephant garlic, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this recipe. Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking with this giant garlic- I’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more.
What is the best way to use elephant garlic?
When it comes to garlic, there are various ways to incorporate it into your meals. One can chop or mince it, or shave it thinly directly into their dishes or over the top of a salad. For people who don’t prefer the intensity of regular garlic, elephant garlic can make a happy medium that can be enjoyed by all. It’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavors of various dishes without overpowering it.
Is elephant garlic stronger than regular garlic?
Did you know that when elephant garlic is crushed, it releases similar flavor compounds to regular garlic, onions, and leeks? However, the quantity of each type of compound present in elephant garlic is lower compared to its allium relatives. As a result, the flavor of elephant garlic is not as potent as that of true garlic. Hence, it cannot be used as a replacement for authentic garlic.
What is different about elephant garlic?
Elephant Garlic got its name from its enormous size, which can be overwhelming for those who haven’t seen it before. Although its appearance may resemble garlic, it is more closely related to leeks and has a surprisingly mild and pleasant taste.
Why do you cut garlic before grilling it?
Garlic has a component known as ‘alliin’ that consists of an amino acid protein. The release of ‘alliinase’, a heat-sensitive enzyme, occurs when we chop, crush, or mince a garlic clove. However, cooking garlic before the release of alliinase will prevent the beneficial properties of garlic from being activated.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there is no better way to enjoy the rich and robust flavor of elephant garlic than by grilling it to perfection. By following my simple yet foolproof recipe, you will be able to impress your friends and family with this tasty and unique dish. Remember to use high-quality elephant garlic from a California farm for the best results, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.
Whether you’re a garlic lover or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, grilled elephant garlic is sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up the grill and get cooking – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Grilled Elephant Garlic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 elephant garlic clove
- olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 pinch sugar
Instructions
- Slice peeled elephant garlic into 1/4 inch sliced.rub with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and sugar.
- Place on a preheated grill for about 3 minutes each side.
- Remove and cover with foil to continue cooking and keep warm.
- Place on fresh crisp bread, garnish any grilled meat or veggies.
- Or if you want eat it straight up!
YOUR OWN NOTE
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Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.