Smoked garlic
Homemade smoked garlic infuses cloves with a unique smoky flavor using basmati rice, rosemary, lemon zest, and bay leaves. This easy process enhances dishes with complex aromas and tastes.
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup basmati rice1/2 cup brown sugar
2 bay leafs
1 tbsp rosemary
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves
Cooking homemade smoked garlic is a flavor-packed experience that will elevate your culinary skills and add a unique twist to your dishes. By infusing garlic cloves with aromatic basmati rice, fragrant rosemary, citrusy lemon zest, and earthy bay leaves, you can achieve a complex and delicious smoky flavor that complements a variety of recipes. This simple yet sophisticated process is perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike.
Instructions:
- Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
- Rice Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the basmati rice, brown sugar, bay leaves, rosemary, and lemon zest.
- If you are using a smoker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to heat it up.
- If you're using a heavy-duty pot, line the bottom of the pot with a double layer of aluminum foil. This will make clean-up easier and protect your pot from the direct heat of the smoking mixture.
- Spread the rice mixture evenly over the bottom of the pot or the designated section of the smoker.
- Place a small rack inside the pot or smoker above the rice mixture.
- Position the peeled garlic cloves on top of the rack, making sure they are not directly touching the rice mixture.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- If using a smoker, close it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Heat the pot or smoker on medium heat until smoke begins to form. Then reduce the heat to low and let the garlic smoke for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cloves are golden and have absorbed the smoky flavor.
- Occasionally check to ensure that the rice mixture is producing smoke and that it’s not burning excessively.
- Once the garlic has reached the desired level of smokiness, carefully remove it from the smoker or pot.
- Let the garlic cloves cool completely.
- Store the smoked garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
In conclusion, smoking garlic at home is a rewarding endeavor that results in a deeply aromatic and flavorful ingredient. The combination of basmati rice, brown sugar, bay leaves, rosemary, and lemon zest creates a perfect smoking environment, infusing the garlic cloves with nuanced flavors. Enjoy your smoked garlic in various dishes, from pasta and meats to sauces and spreads, and savor the complexity it adds to your culinary creations.
Smoked garlic FAQ:
The garlic should smoke for about 20-30 minutes until the cloves are golden and have absorbed a smoky flavor. Monitor the process to ensure it does not burn.
Once cooled, store the smoked garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to two weeks.
Yes, you can substitute other types of rice, such as jasmine or short-grain rice, but this may alter the final flavor and texture somewhat.
If the garlic isn't smoky enough after 30 minutes, you can continue smoking for an additional 5-10 minutes, but be cautious of burning the mixture.
Yes, you can use dried rosemary as a substitute. Generally, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (about 1 teaspoon for this recipe).
Tips:
- Ensure that the garlic cloves are peeled and cleaned before smoking to allow maximum flavor absorption.
- Use a smoker or create a makeshift smoking setup using a pot and a rack to hold the garlic above the smoking mixture.
- Monitor the smoking process closely to prevent the garlic from burning; the goal is to achieve a gentle, consistent smoke.
- Experiment with different types of wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, to further enhance the flavor profile of your smoked garlic.
- Store the smoked garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 140kcal
Protein 0.81g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 0.14g
Sugar 27g
Fat 0.08g
More recipes
Sweet potato, feta and spinach turnovers
Flaky turnovers filled with sweet potato, feta, and spinach.
14 Feb 2026Chicken salad with fruits and nuts
A refreshing chicken salad with fruits and nuts, perfect for light lunches.
08 Jan 2026Easy passionfruit skin jam
Make delicious passionfruit skin jam using minimal ingredients.
26 Nov 2025Broccoli and blue cheese fritters with walnut dressing
Crispy broccoli and blue cheese fritters with walnut dressing.
05 Feb 2026Fresh green pea pesto with almonds, ginger and lime juice
A vibrant green pea pesto with almonds and ginger.
30 Nov 2025Apple-potato pancakes with jalapeno and thyme
Crispy apple-potato pancakes with jalapeno and thyme.
26 Nov 2025Citrus spinach salad with cashews and avocado
Fresh citrus salad with spinach, avocado, and cashews.
30 Dec 2025