The beauty of garlic relish lies in its ability to transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. With just a spoonful, this relish brings a bold, savory punch to any meal. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors creates a complex taste that lingers on the palate, leaving you craving more. Whether you’re using it to enhance a sandwich, mix into a salad dressing, or as a topping for grilled meats, garlic relish offers a versatile way to incorporate the robust flavor of garlic into your cooking. This recipe captures the essence of garlic’s unique profile, balanced by the warmth of olive oil and the tang of vinegar, making it a must-have condiment in every kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic: Start by peeling the garlic cloves. If you find this task too tedious, you can use pre-peeled garlic from the store. However, fresh garlic often has a stronger and more vibrant flavor. Place the peeled garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Be careful not to puree the garlic; the relish should have a slightly coarse texture.
- Cook the Garlic Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes golden brown and fragrant. Ensure that the garlic doesn’t burn, as this can make the relish taste bitter.
- Add Vinegar and Spices: Once the garlic is golden, add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, black pepper, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together while the vinegar and lemon juice help to preserve the garlic.
- Cool and Jar the Relish: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spoon the garlic relish into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
- Store the Relish: For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is essential for shelf stability if you plan to store the relish for several months. Otherwise, the garlic relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- Enjoy Your Relish: Garlic relish is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a condiment on sandwiches, added to marinades, mixed into pasta dishes, or even spread on toasted bread as a quick appetizer. The rich, savory flavor of garlic with a hint of sweetness and acidity makes it a delightful addition to many dishes.
