Cooking with Black Garlic

What is Black Garlic?

Black Garlic is sweet meets savory, a perfect mix of molasses-like richness and tangy garlic undertones. It has a tender, almost jelly-like texture, slightly sweet,with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency similar to a soft dried fruit. Hard to believe, but true. It’s as delicious as it is unique. When sliced, it resembles slices of Black Truffle.

The first time I saw Black garlic and sliced it, I must admit I wondered what all the fuss was about.  But then I bravely took a bite of it and I understood why people were enjoying using it in their cooking.  I now find myself eating it straight from the jar as I prepare to use it in a recipe.

I've used it in more intricate dishes, but the other night I added Black Garlic and chives to roasted potato slices and topped the potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and a few more slices of the Black Garlic.   It was very good... and the taste, while subtle, added something special to the potatoes.

Now, along with the potatoes I had some salmon I wanted to broil.  I happen to like salmon glazes that have a hint of sweet to them without being cloyingly sweet.  I used a mixture of Joe and Son's Dark Chocolate Balsamic and Green Chili Olive Oil to make a marinade for the salmon that I also used as a glaze to brush over the salmon.

The salmon was tasty, moist and not at all dry.

Salmon marinade:

1/2 cup Joe and Son's Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Joe and Son's Green Chili Olive Oil

Pour the Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar into a small saucepan.  Cook over low heat, stirring often, for about 10-15 minutes until the vinegar starts to coat the spoon.
Combine the Vinegar and Oil and pour over the salmon.  Place the salmon in a sealed bag or covered glass dish and marinade in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Remove the salmon from the marinade; place on a broiler pan of your choice; season with salt.  Place in oven, broil for about 3-4 minutes and flip the piece of fish.  Brush the marinade on the "new" side of the fish and broil until done.

It's that simple.  Try it yourself and enjoy!