WHAT IS PICKLED GARLIC?

So there are two different ways to view this preserve.  On the one hand, the use of salt in the pickling process isn’t rocket science.  It was used far in advance of the invention of the rocket, so I feel pretty comfortable making this statement.  Though my wife is out with friends tonight and I’m on baller-size glass of wine #3, so as metrics go, sketchy.  The second way to view pickled garlic is as a more friendly version (the brine tones down this bonfire of flavor).  You can slice or dice pickled garlic as a friendly accompaniment in many raw dishes like salad.

SUGGESTIONS WHEN MAKING PICKLED GARLIC

• Pungent Perfection

Pickled garlic is a recipe that exists in many cultural traditions. To be sure, pickled garlic is not for everyone but if you are a garlic lover, this tart and pungent way to enjoy garlic is for you. Pickling garlic mellows it’s flavor so it doesn’t have quite the bite as fresh garlic. Vinegar helps break down the garlic so the natural sugars come out.

• Versatile Condiment

Pickled garlic is actually a delicious condiment with any number of dishes. It’s great with rice pilafs or in an olive and cheese platter. Sliced thinly it adds pizazz to salad and chopped finely and mixed with sauerkraut, pickled garlic can give your hot dog a whole new flavor profile.

• Mandala Tips – to learn more about pickling, check out our post Pickle a Peck or Two With These Tips.

WHAT PAIRS WELL WITH PICKLED GARLIC?

Well, pretty much any savory food from Korea.  Garlic in general is one of the pillars of international cuisine.  If you look at from a technical perspective the different schools of cuisine, you end up with French, Indian, Chinese, and other.  Some people claim that “other” is Italian or  Turkish.  I’ll leave it up to you to decide #4.  But in all of them, garlic is a fundamental herb.  Or is it a spice?  Vegetable?  Honestly, it is all of the above and more.  And powerful, so in terms of pairings either choose something complementary or an elegant liquid titan of flavor like a glass of Michter’s Sour Mash.  Or water.  Yeah, sure why not, a round of H2O on the house!