Pickling is an easy method of preserving and does not require canning skills for these pickled versions. You simply heat the brine pour it over the peeled garlic and refrigerate until the brine has time to marry with the garlic.
I use small 6-8 oz. canning jars which also make a great gift giving size, for the garlic lovers on your gift list.
Here I'll give you two versions. A quick dill solution and a sweet pickling brine version.
Quick Dill Pickle Brine
Reserve the juice from a jar of dill pickles. Heat to boiling, add the garlic and reduce heat to a slow boil for 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the cloves into a 6 oz. canning jar, pour the hot juice over the garlic. With a slender kitchen knife, run it between the glass and the cloves to release any air bubbles, fill the jar with juice within 1/2 inch of the top. Fasten the lid firmly. Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate.
Ingredients
1 Cup Reserved Pickle juice (Dill)
peeled garlic (about 1 cup)
1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Pour the hot pickle juice into the jar to cover the garlic.
Cap the jar, allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least one week.
Large cloves of garlic can be sliced, smaller cloves lightly crushed to bring out more flavor and allow more of the brine to penetrate each garlic clove.
Suggestion: If the dill pickle juice is plain without added peppercorns or herbs, add a teaspoon of pickling spices if desired. Any brand that you prefer or even your own home canned pickle juice will work fine for pickling the garlic.
Sweet Pickle Brine
1/2 C. Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 C. Water
1/2 C. Coconut Sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1 tsp. Pickling spices
Bring the ingredients to a boil in a small sauce pan. Fill the jar with peeled garlic cloves, then pour the brine over the garlic. Wipe the jar edges with a clean cloth and fasten down the lid. Allow to cool to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator at least one week for the flavors to marry.
Suggested uses: Add to salads, sandwich spreads, or vegetable skewers, alternating with tomatoes, fresh basil and cheese cubes if desired.
Minced pickled garlic can be mixed into a softened stick of butter and spread on French bread, or brushed on fresh baked bread or biscuits before or after baking.
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