As the snow melts away and spring arrives, our kitchens are filled with the sweet aroma of fresh herbs. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a flavorful ingredient that’s both versatile and underrated: green garlic! This young, green version of the familiar clove is packed with pungency and pairs well with everything from pasta to shrimp. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious ways to use green garlic in your cooking, from soups and sauces to main courses and snacks.
Green Garlic and Potato Soup
Fresh green garlic adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to this creamy potato soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 4-6 stalks fresh green garlic, thinly sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced potatoes, green garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return it to the pot.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Green Garlic Pasta
This recipe combines the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted green garlic with the comforting warmth of pasta. It’s a perfect dish for spring and summer when green garlic is in season.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
– 4-6 stalks of green garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss green garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. In a large skillet, combine roasted green garlic, white wine (if using), chicken broth, and butter. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the green garlic sauce. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Green Garlic Butter Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Green Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves green garlic (or 2 cloves regular garlic), minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together green garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until smooth.
4. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the green garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Green Garlic Bread
Savor the flavors of summer with this simple yet elegant Grilled Green Garlic Bread recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
– 6-8 green garlic cloves (or 2-3 regular garlic cloves)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together green garlic cloves and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of bread slices with the green garlic mixture.
4. Grill bread for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly toasted and slightly charred.
5. Remove from grill and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional green garlic cloves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Green Garlic and Herb Risotto
This creamy risotto recipe showcases the bright flavors of springtime with fresh green garlic and a medley of herbs. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish to accompany your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3-4 cloves green garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the olive oil, green garlic, and herbs until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice mixture and stir until absorbed.
5. Repeat step 4 until all broth is used, finishing with a creamy consistency.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Garlic Pesto with Walnuts
Elevate your pasta dishes with this unique green garlic pesto recipe, elevated by the crunch of walnuts and a hint of earthy flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup fresh green garlic leaves (about 4-6 cloves)
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons toasted walnut pieces
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine green garlic leaves and Parmesan cheese. Process until well combined.
2. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until smooth.
3. Add toasted walnuts and process until coarsely chopped.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Transfer pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None needed! This pesto is ready to use immediately.
Green Garlic and Lemon Roasted Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful roasted chicken recipe that combines the brightness of lemon, pungency of garlic, and freshness of green herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 6-8 cloves of green garlic (or 2 cloves of regular garlic), peeled and chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using).
6. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Green Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes game with the bright, pungent flavor of green garlic. This simple recipe combines tender Yukon golds with the sweet, garlicky goodness of green garlic for a side dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large Yukon gold potatoes
– 2 cloves green garlic, peeled and minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: grated cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. Boil the potatoes in large pot until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, green garlic, salt, and pepper; mash with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, stirring to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Garlic and Goat Cheese Tart
This elegant tart showcases the flavors of spring, with sweet green garlic, tangy goat cheese, and a flaky crust. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4-6 green garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Brush with beaten egg.
3. In a small bowl, mix together green garlic and goat cheese. Arrange the mixture on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with remaining egg wash.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Garlic Stir-Fried Greens
Get ready to brighten up your plate with this vibrant and flavorful recipe that showcases the best of spring’s green garlic and leafy greens. In just a few quick minutes, you’ll have a deliciously fresh and healthy side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard)
– 3-4 green garlic stalks, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced green garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Add the mixed greens and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional green garlic if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Green Garlic and Mushroom Quiche
A savory quiche filled with the flavors of spring, this recipe is perfect for a brunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4-6 green garlic scapes, chopped (or 2 cloves of regular garlic)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and green garlic in butter until tender.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange the mushroom mixture in the pie crust.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the filling.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Green Garlic Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and flavorful Argentinean-inspired condiment, perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip. This quick-to-make sauce is packed with the brightness of fresh green garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup fresh green garlic (or scapes), thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine green garlic, parsley, oregano, and garlic. Process until well combined.
2. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper; process until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until sauce is emulsified and thickened.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Green Garlic and White Bean Dip
Elevate your snack game with this vibrant and flavorful dip, perfect for veggie sticks, crackers, or pita chips. The combination of green garlic’s subtle onion flavor and creamy cannellini beans is a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of green garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine green garlic, cannellini beans, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer dip to a serving bowl and garnish with paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep only)
Green Garlic Roasted Carrots
Elevate your carrot game with this flavorful and vibrant recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the pungency of green garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
– 3 cloves of green garlic (or 2-3 regular garlic cloves), minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, green garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the carrot mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Garlic and Parmesan Frittata
A flavorful and savory breakfast or brunch option that showcases the brightness of green garlic and the richness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 2 cloves of green garlic, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, chopped green garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the frittata.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are almost set and the cheese is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Green Garlic Fried Rice
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the pungency of green garlic with the comfort of a warm bowl of rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green garlic)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped scallions; stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice mixture for 2-3 minutes, until heated through and slightly toasted.
6. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.
7. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet; crack in the beaten eggs (if using). Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix with the rice.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Garlic and Leek Soup
As the seasons change, the first tender shoots of green garlic begin to emerge, signaling the start of a new culinary year. This light and refreshing soup celebrates the sweetness of these early vegetables, paired with the subtle oniony flavor of leeks.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 stalks of green garlic (ends trimmed), washed and chopped
– 2 medium leeks, cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add green garlic and leeks; cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
4. Purée soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Garlic Pickles
Get ready to add a burst of fresh flavor to your sandwiches, salads, and snacks with these easy-to-make green garlic pickles!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh green garlic (or scapes), thinly sliced
– 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the green garlic slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the garlic to release its natural juices.
2. Drain the garlic and add the vinegar, water, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pack the mixture into clean glass jars or containers with tight-fitting lids.
4. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the pickles to chill and develop their flavor.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None, as these pickles are a refrigerator-style recipe.
Summary
Get ready to spring into flavor with these 18 delicious green garlic recipes! From hearty soups and pasta dishes to savory stir-fries and sweet treats, green garlic adds a burst of fresh flavor to any meal. Try making Green Garlic and Potato Soup for a comforting start to the day, or Roasted Green Garlic Pasta for a satisfying dinner. Or get creative with Green Garlic Butter Shrimp, Grilled Green Garlic Bread, or Green Garlic Pesto with Walnuts. Whatever you choose, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and welcome in the new season.