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Preserved Garlic

The delicate, herbaceous quality of preserved garlic adds a bit of bite where raw garlic would be too harsh and overwhelm more subtle flavors, such as the lobster mushroom recipe on page 119. Make sure you use a peeler to zest the lemon. Using a grater or Microplane would release too many oils and create too strong a flavor. As a bonus, use the oil in vinaigrettes or drizzle on grilled fish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 12 to 15 cloves

Ingredients

1 lemon
1 head garlic, peeled (12 to 15 cloves)
3 sprigs thyme
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove half of the lemon peel, about 3 or 4 large long strips in all. Place in a saucepan with the garlic cloves, thyme, and oil. Place over low heat and keep at a bare simmer until the garlic is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes. Pour into a glass jar with a lid. The garlic can be used immediately or will keep, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

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