Roses love it, vampires fear it. I have a cushion that advises: "anyone who doesn't love cats must have been a rat in a former life". By extension, anyone who doesn't like garlic must have been (or still is...brrr) a vampire. So these recipes are for the rest of us roses. I hope you enjoy them, and don't forget my guiding principle: no recipe EVER called for 3 cloves of garlic that didn't mean 13.
Garlic Broth
Originally from The Vegetarian Epicure, BOOK 2 by Anna Thomas (1978)
8 Cups
2
1 Med Sized
1 Whole
6 Large
1 Large
1.5 Tbsp
-
Pinch
1/4 Tsp
1/2 - 1
1 Sprig
To Taste
Water
Carrots
Stock of Celery
Garlic Bulb
Russet Potatoes
Onion
Olive Oil
-
Sage
Dried Thyme
Bay Leaf
Parsely
Salt & Pepper
Let’s Get Started!
First scrub the potatoes very thoroughly and cut away any blemishes, then peel them, cutting off strips at least 1/4 inch thick. Reserve the peeled potatoes for another use. Peel the onion and quarter it. Wash the carrots and celery and slice them. Break the head of garlic up into separate cloves and peel them if you wish, though they can also be used unpeeled--a method that many people feel yields richer flavour. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 1 .5 to 2 hours, or until all the vegetables are very soft. If too much water evaporates during the cooking, add enough to keep all the vegetables covered with liquid. When the broth is done, strain everything out through a sieve for a fine, clear, and delicate broth. Finished recipe yields about 6 cups of broth, but this may vary slightly.
NOTE: ONLY ADD A BIT OF SALT AT THE BEGINNING, AS THE STOCK REDUCES IT WILL BECOME MORE SALTY. CORRECT IT TO TASTE AT THE END.
The most important thing is to taste it, smell it, look at it. If it is light brown, fragrant, and delicious, its ready; if it seems weak, simmer it a bit longer and reduce it; if it seems too strong, add a bit of water. For a clear broth, just strain out all the vegetables through a sieve and correct the seasoning if necessary. For a soup with the consistency of a thin puree, first fish out the celery, garlic, and bay leaf, then press everything through a fine sieve until only a rather pulp is left.
This is another vegeterian Garlic Broth recipe but the finished product retains and sweeter taste due to the addition of sugar. Additionally, the recipe itself contains fewer ingredients for those of use who like to keep it simple.
Golden Garlic Broth
Originally from Seasonal Soups by Lucy Saunders
6 Whole
3 Tbsp
1 Tbsp
10 Cups
To Taste
Garlic Bulbs (50 - 60 Cloves)
Vegetable Oil
Light Brown Sugar (Packed)
Water
Salt & Pepper
Let’s Get Started!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Separate heads of garlic and remove papery skins; leave each clove whole. In a deep roasting pan, mix vegetable oil and brown sugar. Toss garlic in the sugar and oil.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir cloves often, until garlic is lightly and evenly browned (do not burn).
Remove pan from oven and scrape contents into a stockpot. Cover with water and bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 1 hour or until garlic is soft and stock is a golden color. Strain stock through a colander, season with salt and pepper, and chill in a tightly sealed container. This stock will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or may be frozen for up to 4 to 6 months. Makes about 6 cups of broth.