Smoked garlic is a culinary delight that adds a new dimension to the flavours of this beloved ingredient. Through the process of smoking, garlic cloves undergo a captivating transformation, acquiring a smoky aroma and a delicate taste that can enhance a variety of dishes. In this blog post, we'll explore what smoked garlic is and share a delicious recipe that showcases its unique qualities. Get ready to elevate your cooking and embark on a flavourful journey!
What is Smoked Garlic?
Smoked garlic is regular garlic that has been exposed to the flavourful smoke of wood chips or charcoal. This process infuses the cloves with a distinctive smoky aroma and flavour while mellowing their pungency. The result is a culinary gem that can be used in various dishes to add depth and complexity.
Recipe: Smoked Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 head of smoked garlic (or 6-8 cloves of smoked garlic)
- 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the skins are charred and blistered.
2. Remove the roasted red peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the peppers in a sealed plastic bag to steam for about 10 minutes. This process will make it easier to remove the skins.
3. While the peppers are steaming, peel the smoked garlic cloves and set them aside.
4. After steaming, peel the skins off the red bell peppers and discard them. Remove the stems and seeds, then roughly chop the peppers.
5. In a food processor, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, smoked garlic cloves, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Taste the hummus and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
8. Serve the smoked garlic and roasted red pepper hummus with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or your favourite crackers. Enjoy the irresistible combination of smoky garlic, sweet red peppers, and creamy chickpeas!
Smoked garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique twist to your culinary creations. From the aromatic smokiness to the delicate flavours it imparts, smoked garlic can elevate your dishes to new heights. Give this smoked garlic and roasted red pepper hummus recipe a try, and savour the harmonious blend of smoky, roasted flavours. So, fire up your smoker, embrace the smoky goodness, and let smoked garlic take your cooking to the next level!
