Zesty Pickled Garlic In Olive Oil Recipe: Homemade Magic

Discovering pickled garlic in olive oil might just revolutionize your kitchen adventures.

Mediterranean cooks have long treasured this simple preservation technique.

Briny, sharp flavors mingle with smooth olive oil notes.

Crushed garlic cloves absorb delicate herbs and spices during pickling.

Sharp tanginess emerges as the cloves marinate gently.

Crisp and pungent, these preserved gems complement sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards.

You’ll want to create jars of this delectable condiment for every meal.

What You Need For Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

Main Ingredients:

• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Whole cloves are the star of this pickled condiment, providing a sharp and robust flavor profile.

• White Vinegar: Provides the tangy base that helps preserve and flavor the garlic.
• Water: Dilutes the vinegar and helps create a balanced pickling solution.
• Salt: Enhances preservation and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and softens the sharp garlic flavor.

• Dried Oregano, Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herbs that infuse complex herbal notes into the pickled garlic.
• Black Peppercorns, Bay Leaves: Contribute warm, spicy undertones and additional depth to the preservation process.
• Red Chili Pepper (Optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Covers the garlic and seasonings, creating a protective layer and adding richness to the final product.

How To Prepare Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

Step 1: Prepare Garlic for Pickling

Separate and peel fresh garlic cloves from two heads, carefully removing any imperfections or damaged sections.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Pickling Liquid

Blend white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a non-reactive saucepan. Whisk ingredients until completely dissolved, creating a harmonious base for pickling.

Step 3: Boil and Simmer Pickling Mixture

Heat the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce temperature to medium and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Infuse Garlic with Pickling Liquid

Immerse peeled garlic cloves in the hot pickling solution. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes, softening the garlic and introducing subtle flavors.

Step 5: Dry Garlic Cloves

Drain garlic cloves completely. Use clean paper towels to pat dry, removing excess moisture to ensure perfect pickling consistency.

Step 6: Layer Herbs and Spices

• Dried oregano
• Black peppercorns
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Red chili pepper (optional)

Step 7: Drench with Olive Oil

Gently pour extra virgin olive oil over the garlic and seasonings. Ensure complete coverage, eliminating any potential air pockets.

Step 8: Seal and Rest

Tightly seal the jar and refrigerate for 48 hours. Gently shake the jar once daily to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 9: Develop Maximum Flavor

Allow pickled garlic to rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. This waiting period intensifies the herbal and tangy characteristics.

Step 10: Store and Serve

Keep pickled garlic refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Tips For Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

• Select Premium Garlic: Choose fresh, firm garlic heads with no soft spots or green sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
• Sterilize Storage Jar: Clean glass jar thoroughly with hot water and soap to prevent bacterial growth and maintain pickled garlic's quality.
• Control Pickling Intensity: Adjust vinegar-to-water ratio for milder or sharper taste, experimenting with different flavor profiles.
• Enhance Herb Combinations: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or tarragon with oregano and thyme to create unique, personalized seasoning blends.
• Monitor Oil Coverage: Ensure all garlic cloves are completely submerged in olive oil to prevent oxidation and maintain preservation quality.

Ways To Flavor Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

• Herb-Infused Garlic Variation: Replace fresh thyme with rosemary or tarragon for a different aromatic profile, adding unique herbal undertones to the pickled garlic.
• Spicy Garlic Kick Variation: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or habanero peppers instead of red chili pepper to create a more intense, fiery pickled garlic experience.
• Low-Sodium Pickled Garlic: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium alternatives or replacing salt with apple cider vinegar for a tangier, lighter preservation method.
• Mediterranean Blend Variation: Add dried oregano, whole coriander seeds, and a splash of white wine to transform the pickling liquid with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

What To Pair With Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

• Pair Herbal Pickled Garlic with Robust Red Wines: Mediterranean-style reds like Sangiovese or Tempranillo complement the herbal and tangy notes perfectly, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Elevate Charcuterie Boards with Pickled Garlic: Spread these zesty cloves alongside aged cheeses, cured meats, and rustic bread for a gourmet appetizer that awakens the palate with vibrant, intense flavors.
• Enhance Pasta and Grilled Dishes: Chop and sprinkle pickled garlic over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or toss into pasta sauces to add a bright, acidic punch that cuts through rich ingredients.

How To Store Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

• Store pickled garlic in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for 4 weeks maximum, ensuring airtight closure and using clean utensils when serving.
• Transfer pickled garlic into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving flavor and texture.
• Keep garlic fully submerged in olive oil to prevent bacterial growth, checking periodically for any signs of spoilage or mold development.
• Always use sterilized jars and clean utensils when handling pickled garlic to maintain food safety and prevent potential contamination.

FAQs About Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil

• Why pickle garlic in olive oil?

Pickling garlic in olive oil helps preserve the cloves, softens their sharp flavor, and infuses them with herbal aromatics like thyme and oregano, creating a more mellow and complex taste profile.

• Are pickled garlic cloves safe to eat?

Yes, when prepared correctly with proper sterilization, vinegar, and refrigeration, pickled garlic is safe. The acidity from vinegar and salt helps prevent bacterial growth and extends shelf life.

• How can I use pickled garlic in cooking?

Pickled garlic is versatile – chop and add to salad dressings, blend into spreads, use as a pizza topping, mix into pasta sauces, or serve as a tangy condiment alongside charcuterie boards.

Why Pickled Garlic in Olive Oil Is A Bold Kitchen Staple

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Transform ordinary garlic into a zesty, complex condiment that elevates sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards with rich herbal undertones.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Personalize the pickled garlic by adding red chili peppers or adjusting herbs, creating a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Master Preserving Skills: Learn a simple pickling technique that extends garlic's shelf life while developing deeper, more sophisticated taste dimensions without complicated culinary techniques.
• Embrace Healthy Snacking: Enjoy a probiotic-rich, low-calorie ingredient packed with antioxidants and potential immune-boosting properties, perfect for health-conscious food lovers.

Pickled Garlic In Olive Oil Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pickled garlic in olive oil brings Mediterranean magic to kitchen counters, infusing robust flavors into simple ingredients. Garlicky goodness awaits with this easy preservation method that you can savor on salads, sandwiches, or straight from the jar.

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Ingredients

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Garlic:

• 2 heads fresh garlic
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Pickling Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar (240 ml)
• 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
• 2 tbsp salt (30 g)
• 1 tsp sugar (5 g)

Olive Oil and Seasonings:

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (240 ml)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (2 g)
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns (1 g)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 small red chili pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate and peel the garlic cloves from two fresh heads, ensuring each clove is clean and free from blemishes.
2. Prepare the pickling liquid by combining white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a non-reactive saucepan, whisking until the salt and sugar completely dissolve.
3. Bring the pickling mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Submerge the peeled garlic cloves in the hot pickling liquid and remove from heat, allowing them to steep for 10 minutes to soften and infuse.
5. Drain the garlic cloves thoroughly, patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
6. In a clean glass jar, layer the dried garlic cloves with dried oregano, black peppercorns, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and optional red chili pepper.
7. Slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil over the garlic and seasonings, ensuring all ingredients are completely covered and no air pockets remain.
8. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 48 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop, gently shaking the jar once daily.
9. For optimal taste, let the pickled garlic rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks before consuming, which will intensify the herbal and tangy notes.
10. Store the pickled garlic in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, always using clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Notes

• Select super fresh, firm garlic heads without soft spots or green sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
• Remove any green center stems from garlic cloves to prevent potential bitterness and ensure a milder taste profile.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall richness and create a more gourmet preserved garlic experience.
• Sterilize glass jars thoroughly with boiling water before storing to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life safely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1.25 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg