Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese

Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese Recipe from Israel

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a special treat. The combination of roasted garlic, creamy goat cheese, and crusty bread creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is sure to impress.

History

Roasted garlic has been enjoyed for centuries for its rich and complex flavor. The process of roasting garlic mellows out its sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Pairing roasted garlic with goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the garlic perfectly.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of crème fraîche
16 – 20 whole heads of garlic
0.5 cup of butter
pepper to taste
1 cup of dry white wine
0.5 cup of vegetable stock
0.5 kg of semi-hard goat cheese
6 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
16 – 20 slices of country-style bread
olive oil (optional)

How to prepare

Using a knife, make an incision in each garlic bulb about 4 cm from the top.
Remove the outer layer of skin from the tops, exposing the cloves.
Grease a baking dish and arrange the bulbs in it.
Dot each bulb with 0.5 tbsp of butter.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Pour the wine and stock into the baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
The cloves will be done when some of the garlic comes off on the tip of a sharp knife inserted into them.
Remove from the oven.
In a bowl, combine all but 3 tbsp of the crème fraîche with the cheese, mashing them together with a fork.
Add the remaining crème fraîche if needed and continue beating with a fork until the mixture reaches a thick puree consistency.
Mix in the chopped spring onions.
To serve, place 1 slice of bread and 1 garlic bulb on each plate, and place the remaining garlic on a serving plate in the center of the table.
Serve the cheese mixture separately.
Guests should spread the cheese on the bread, then use a fork to press the garlic flesh out of each clove and spread it on top.
If desired, sprinkle the garlic with olive oil.
Serve with dry red wine as an appetizer.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the goat cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute the goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different taste.
Serve the roasted garlic on crostini or crackers instead of bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the outer layer of skin from the garlic bulbs before roasting to expose the cloves.

- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter if roasted for too long.

- Mixing the goat cheese with crème fraîche creates a creamy and luxurious texture that is perfect for spreading on bread.

- Serve the roasted garlic with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese as an appetizer with a side of mixed greens or a charcuterie board.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the garlic bulbs in a mixture of wine and stock creates a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of crème fraîche.

- Substitute the dry white wine with chicken or vegetable broth.

- Use a different type of cheese such as brie or camembert.

Make Ahead Tips

The roasted garlic bulbs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The goat cheese mixture can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the roasted garlic bulbs on a platter with the goat cheese mixture in a bowl for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese with a glass of dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Roasted garlic is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. Goat cheese provides calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (goat cheese and crème fraîche) and gluten (bread), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fats and calories, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roasted Garlic with Goat Cheese is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a special treat. The combination of roasted garlic, creamy goat cheese, and crusty bread creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet elegant dish that combined two of my favorite ingredients: roasted garlic and goat cheese. The recipe was given to me by a dear friend who had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations, each one adding their own twist to make it their own.

I remember the first time I tried it. The aroma of the roasted garlic filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. As I took my first bite, the creamy goat cheese mixed with the sweet, caramelized garlic was a revelation. It was a perfect marriage of flavors, a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. So I asked my friend if she would teach me. She was more than happy to pass on the recipe, knowing that I would appreciate it as much as she did.

We spent an afternoon in her kitchen, roasting garlic and whipping goat cheese until it was light and fluffy. She showed me how to carefully peel the garlic cloves and drizzle them with olive oil before placing them in the oven to roast. The smell that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a mix of garlic and olive oil that made my stomach rumble with hunger.

As we waited for the garlic to roast, my friend told me the story of how the recipe had come to her family. It was a dish that was traditionally made during the winter months, when fresh vegetables were scarce. The roasted garlic was a way to add flavor to simple dishes, while the goat cheese provided a rich, creamy texture that was satisfying and comforting.

After the garlic had finished roasting, we carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool before peeling off the skins. The cloves were soft and golden brown, their flavor mellowed and sweetened by the roasting process. We mixed them with the whipped goat cheese, adding a touch of salt and pepper to taste.

The final dish was a work of art, a creamy spread that was perfect for spreading on toast or crackers. The sweetness of the roasted garlic paired perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, creating a flavor profile that was both familiar and unexpected.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. It was a dish that was easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. And every time I made it, I would think of my friend and her grandmother, and the generations of women who had passed down this recipe through the years.

As I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing the roasted garlic with goat cheese for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the memories that this dish brings back. It's more than just a recipe – it's a link to the past, a connection to the women who came before me and shared their love of cooking and good food.

And as I take my first bite of the creamy goat cheese spread, the flavors of the roasted garlic and tangy cheese mingling on my tongue, I know that this dish will always hold a special place in my heart. It's not just a recipe – it's a story, a tradition, a legacy that I will pass down to the next generation, just as it was passed down to me.