How To Roast Elephant Garlic

If you think that size matters, then elephant garlic will be right up your alley. In some cases, one clove of this vegetable will be comparable in size to a whole head of regular garlic. If you’d like to learn how to roast elephant garlic, then keep reading. We have the perfect recipe along with lots more information that’ll help your cooking.

Table of Contents

• What does elephant garlic taste like?
• How to Roast Elephant Garlic
• What to serve with elephant garlic
• We're not done yet
• How to store your garlic
• Wrapping Up

What does elephant garlic taste like?

For some palates, regular garlic has too much flavor intensity. Not so with elephant garlic. While it does have an undertone of garlic, it is much milder and less pungent. As it cooks, the flavors develop and gain a hint of sweetness, much like an onion does.

The reason for elephant garlic’s milder taste is that it’s actually a close relative of the leek. Perhaps this vegetable should be renamed “garleek”?

In many recipes, you’ll want to avoid using elephant garlic as a replacement for the regular variety. It doesn’t have the “punch” that’s needed in an aioli, a classic risotto, or an Asian stir-fry. Roasting elephant garlic is an excellent choice—even fussy eaters should be able to deal with its flavor profile. It’s mild and smooth, with a wonderful aroma.

How to Roast Elephant Garlic

Ingredients

• 1 bulb elephant garlic
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425F (220C)
2. Use a sharp knife to slice the garlic head in half. You’re best to slice it horizontally to keep all the cloves intact. This is much easier than regular garlic because they never have more than six cloves.
3. Pour olive oil over the top of each piece of bulb then toss over rosemary and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
4. Join the two pieces back together and wrap in foil before placing on the middle rack of the oven. Cook for 50 minutes or until soft and tender.

Quick Tip

For an even softer, more caramelized onion, cook on 355F (180C) for 60-70 minutes

What to serve with elephant garlic

• lather onto fresh crusty white bread
• puree and use as a side with meat or poultry
• add rustic chunks to a potato salad
• use to make a milder garlic bread
• stir into sauces and soups
• added to mashed potatoes

We're not done yet

If you grow your own elephant garlic, then don't just use the bulbs; that'd be a waste. The leaves are an excellent ingredient that can be used in salads, stir-fries, and can even be fermented. Check out this video with lots more useful advice on using the leaves.

How to store your garlic

Store elephant garlic at room temperature out of sunlight for up to 10 months. They'll last longest in a room that's ventilated and cool. Avoid storing in the refrigerator.

Wrapping Up

If you want to learn how to roast elephant garlic then you'll be pleased to know it's a simple process, a lot like roasting regular garlic. A splash or olive oil and seasoning is all you need to cook mild, tender garlic that can easily be spread onto bread or used as a side dish. Although roasted elephant garlic isn't packed with flavor, it can also be used in soups and sauces to add depth of flavor.