Georgian Garlic Salad

Georgian Garlic Salad Recipe - Flavorful Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Georgia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Georgian Garlic Salad is a traditional dish that showcases the bold and pungent flavor of garlic. This salad is simple yet flavorful, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal.

History

Georgian Garlic Salad has been a staple in Georgian cuisine for centuries. Garlic is a common ingredient in Georgian cooking, and this salad highlights the strong and aromatic flavor of this versatile ingredient.

Ingredients

50 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar)
0.5 tsp of salt
1 tsp of freshly ground or cracked black pepper
1 tbsp of herbs

How to prepare

Start by peeling all the garlic.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add the garlic cloves.
Let the garlic sit in the hot water for 3 to 5 minutes (use the shorter time if you prefer a sharper raw garlic flavor; the longer time will result in a milder garlic flavor).
Remove the garlic from the water and immediately place it in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Dissolve the salt into the lemon juice.
Prepare a vinaigrette by combining the olive oil, lemon juice with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Place the garlic cloves into jars and pour the vinaigrette over them, ensuring they are fully covered.
Refrigerate the jars.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Mix in some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the garlic before marinating it to mellow out the sharpness of raw garlic.

- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.

- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Georgian Garlic Salad as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great topping for bruschetta or crostini.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the garlic before marinating it helps to mellow out the sharpness of raw garlic and makes it more palatable.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of balsamic vinegar. You can also use a combination of different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

Make Ahead Tips

Georgian Garlic Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Georgian Garlic Salad in small jars or bowls for a rustic and elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Georgian Garlic Salad with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Georgian Garlic Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Georgian Garlic Salad contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Georgian Garlic Salad contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Georgian Garlic Salad contains approximately 22 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Georgian Garlic Salad contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and olive oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Georgian Garlic Salad is a flavorful dish that is high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates and proteins. It is a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Georgian Garlic Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the bold and pungent flavor of garlic. This traditional Georgian recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in this delicious salad.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a hot summer day and I had just finished helping my grandmother in the garden. As a reward for my hard work, she invited me into the kitchen to watch her prepare a special dish she had learned from a friend many years ago - Georgian Garlic Salad.

I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly chopped the fresh vegetables and herbs, her hands moving with precision and grace. The scent of garlic filled the air, mixing with the tangy aroma of vinegar and the earthy scent of cilantro. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

As she worked, my grandmother told me the story of how she had learned to make Georgian Garlic Salad. It all started many years ago, when she was a young woman living in a small village in Georgia. One day, a new family moved in next door, and the woman of the house, Maria, quickly became friends with my grandmother.

Maria was an excellent cook and was always trying out new recipes from different regions of Georgia. One day, she invited my grandmother over for lunch and served her Georgian Garlic Salad. My grandmother was blown away by the bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients. She begged Maria to teach her how to make it, and Maria graciously agreed.

From that day on, my grandmother and Maria spent many hours in the kitchen together, cooking and sharing stories. Maria taught my grandmother not only how to make Georgian Garlic Salad, but also many other traditional Georgian dishes. They became fast friends, and my grandmother treasured those memories for the rest of her life.

As I listened to my grandmother's story, I could see the sparkle in her eyes as she remembered those long-ago days in Georgia. She told me that she had made Georgian Garlic Salad many times over the years, always thinking fondly of her dear friend Maria. The recipe had become a staple in our family, passed down from generation to generation.

I watched as my grandmother finished preparing the salad, adding the final touches of olive oil and salt. She scooped some onto a plate and handed it to me, a smile on her face. I took a bite and was instantly transported to the bustling streets of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, where the flavors of garlic, cilantro, and vinegar mingled together in perfect harmony.

From that day on, Georgian Garlic Salad became one of my favorite dishes. I would often ask my grandmother to make it for me, and she would always oblige with a twinkle in her eye. As I grew older, I learned to make the salad myself, following my grandmother's careful instructions and adding my own twist to the recipe.

Now, whenever I make Georgian Garlic Salad, I think of my grandmother and her dear friend Maria. I remember the stories she told me about their time together in Georgia, and I feel a deep connection to my roots and heritage. Cooking this dish is more than just a way to satisfy my hunger - it is a way to honor the memories of those who came before me and keep their traditions alive.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Georgian Garlic Salad, I am grateful for the recipe that has been passed down through the generations. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to those we love. And as I take a bite, savoring the bold flavors and rich history of this dish, I know that my grandmother's legacy lives on in every delicious mouthful.