Wild garlic for winter (Motan's recipe)

Wild garlic for Winter - Simple and Delicious Recipe

If you are a nature lover and enjoy authentic flavors, you have surely already discovered the charm of wild garlic. This aromatic plant, often used in various dishes, is a versatile ingredient that enriches meals with a fresh note and an unmistakable taste. In this recipe, I will show you how to preserve wild garlic for winter, so you can enjoy its aroma throughout the year. We are talking about a simple yet effective recipe that will help you keep the spring flavor even on the cold days of winter.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Drying Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: N/A (preservation for winter)

Necessary Ingredients
- Bunches of fresh wild garlic
- Plastic wrap
- Freezer bag
- Labels for identification

Step by Step

1. Choosing the Wild Garlic
The first step is to choose the bunches of wild garlic. Look for green, healthy leaves, free from spots or signs of wilting. Fresh wild garlic has a distinctive smell, making it easy to recognize.

2. Washing the Wild Garlic
Wash the bunches of wild garlic under cold running water. It is important not to untie the bunches, as this will help maintain the integrity of the leaves during the preservation process. Make sure to remove any impurities or dirt.

3. Drying the Wild Garlic
After washing, place the bunches in a pot with the stems in cold water, allowing the leaves to dry for 4-5 hours. This step is essential to prevent moisture buildup during freezing, which could affect the texture and aroma of the wild garlic.

4. Preparing the Plastic Wrap
Lay out 30 cm of plastic wrap on your work surface. Make sure you have enough wrap to tightly roll the bunches of wild garlic without allowing air to enter.

5. Trimming the Stems
Take a bunch of wild garlic and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim the stems about 5-10 mm above the base. This step will help with better preservation, providing a nice and uniform appearance.

6. Rolling the Wild Garlic
Place the bunch of wild garlic on the plastic wrap and roll it tightly, ensuring that the leaves remain compact. After rolling, fold the ends of the wrap so that it does not come undone. This will prevent moisture leaks.

7. Packing
Once you have finished with all the bunches, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and contents, so you know what you have in the freezer.

8. Freezing
Put the bag with wild garlic in the freezer. It can be kept for several months, and you'll have a fresh ingredient whenever you need it.

Practical Tips
- Ideal Temperature: Make sure your freezer operates at a constant temperature of -18 degrees Celsius to maintain the qualities of the wild garlic.
- Variations: If you want to enhance the flavor of the wild garlic, you can add some dried spices or herbs to the mix. This will give an extra flavor boost to your dishes.
- Usage: You can use frozen wild garlic in soups, sauces, salads, or as a filling for various dishes. Think of a potato puree with wild garlic or a flavorful omelet.

Nutritional Benefits
Wild garlic is rich in vitamins A and C, has antioxidant properties, and is recognized for its benefits to cardiovascular health. It also contains compounds that may help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can wild garlic be frozen without drying it?
It is not recommended, as moisture can affect the texture and aroma. Drying helps achieve better preservation.
- How long can it be kept in the freezer?
Wild garlic can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months without losing its aroma.

Serving Suggestions
Frozen wild garlic is excellent in combination with cheeses, fresh bread, or in various vegetable dishes. You can try a spread with cottage cheese and wild garlic, served with a glass of dry white wine for an elegant meal.

In conclusion, preserving wild garlic for winter is a simple and effective way to bring the flavors of spring into your kitchen. Try this recipe and enjoy their flavor throughout the year!