If you're someone who loves comfort food, then you'll know that mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. But have you ever thought about adding a twist to this classic dish? Enter: black garlic mashed potatoes.
Black garlic is a type of garlic that has been fermented for a few weeks, resulting in a darker color and a sweet and savory flavor. It's become popular in recent years due to its unique taste and potential health benefits.
Aside from the appeal of trying out a new flavor, black garlic mashed potatoes offer a few benefits that traditional mashed potatoes don't:
- Health benefits: Black garlic is said to have more antioxidants and lower levels of allicin (the compound that causes the pungent smell in garlic) than fresh garlic. This means that black garlic may have more health benefits than regular garlic, such as improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Unique flavor: The sweet and savory flavor of black garlic adds a new and interesting dimension to the dish. It's not overly garlic-y or sweet, but rather a balanced flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
- A conversation starter: If you're hosting a dinner party or cooking for friends and family, serving black garlic mashed potatoes is sure to spark some conversation and intrigue.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves black garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the minced black garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in the black garlic butter and milk, and mash until desired consistency is reached.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Q: Does black garlic taste like regular garlic?
A: While black garlic comes from regular garlic, it has a much milder, sweeter flavor.
Q: Where can I find black garlic?
A: You can often find black garlic at specialty food stores or online. It's becoming increasingly popular, so keep an eye out for it at your local grocery store as well.
Q: Can I substitute black garlic with regular garlic in this recipe?
A: While you won't get the same unique flavor, you can certainly use regular garlic in place of black garlic. Just keep in mind that the taste will be more pungent and may overpower the other ingredients.