Russian (Elephant) Garlic - Nutrition and Serving Ideas

 Russian Garlic - Nutrition and Serving Ideas

Elephant garlic has a mild, sweet flavour somewhere between garlic and onion.

Nutritional Value

Elephant Garlic (raw, chopped), 3 tablespoons (9g)

Calories

13.4

Protein

: 0.6g

Carbohydrate

3g

Total Fat

0.04g

Fiber

0.2g

 

Similar to conventional garlic, Russian garlic also contains allicin, which has been known for its antibacterial properties. 

Several health benefits can be derived by consuming the cloves of this garlic.

  • High in Vitamins A, C and E
  • It is rich in calcium, vitamins and fiber which help in improving immunity and digestion.
  • It has high composition of potassium and folic acid helpful in many ways.
  • Laxatives present in it aids in smooth bowel movements.

Selection and storage

Even at room temperature they can be stored for around a year. It should be kept at safe distance from other food, in a dry cool place.

 Preparing

It is highly edible in various forms. Unlike the true garlic, these cloves are large and  easily peeled.

 For easy peeling, you can make use of the flat surface of a knife to crush it.

Careful when fry it as it tends to become brown quickly and loses its value when overcooked.

Serving ideas

  • Elephant garlic can be used raw or in cooked applications as it is often treated as a vegetable versus an herb because it is so mild in flavour.
  • Roasting, baking or grilling will enhance its flavour,
  • Its large size makes it perfect for slicing and deep frying to make garlic chips.
  • Roasted whole and used as a spread on bread.
  • Russian garlic pairs well with pasta, poultry, parsnips, potatoes, broccoli, and asparagus.
  • Russian Garlic and Broccoli pie
  • Potato and Russian Garlic Soup
  • Use the flowerets tossed in a salad
  • Use the leaves in salads and soups.
  • Stir fry the Russian Garlic 'scapes' (what are scapes? Check out this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRuadb28-vA)
  • Use the Russian garlic early in the season as leek
  • Allow the bulbs to form and use as a mild garlic substitute, eaten either raw or cooked
  • Pickle the bulbs to add to sauces, dips, marinades and casseroles
  • Use it with mashed potatoes and as spread on bread, soups and crackers.
  • You can eat it after lightly frying it with vegetables apart from using in making dips.

Here is a link to a You Tube series on 7 ways to use your Russian Garlic https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEGN8kE_KnjD6dEWNXksaTcnAbkS1kV7v

Recipe

Here are some links to ways to use you Russian (Elephant) garlic in the kitchen:

I think I will be a lot more adventurous this year in the kitchen with my Russian garlic. Looking at all these ideas I am not sure I am growing enough! Hmm........do you think it is too late to plant out another bed?

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