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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Carefully separate and peel the garlic cloves from two fresh heads, ensuring each clove is clean and free from blemishes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain the garlic cloves thoroughly, patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a clean glass jar, layer the dried garlic cloves with dried oregano, black peppercorns, bay leaves, fresh thyme, and optional red chili pepper.
- Slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil over the garlic and seasonings, ensuring all ingredients are completely covered and no air pockets remain.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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