The Best Garlic Recipes to Celebrate the Versatile Veggie

Posted: April 17, 2023 11:00 am

Garlic — a.k.a. the “stinking rose” — has been revered in cuisines all around the world for centuries. Its pungent aroma and distinct flavor make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, adding depth and richness to a wide variety of dishes.

From classic Italian pasta sauces to spicy Asian stir-fries, garlic is a staple ingredient that can transform any dish.

National Garlic Day is celebrated annually on April 19th. For garlic lovers around the world, it’s a day dedicated to celebrating the versatile and delicious stinking rose, and all the amazing ways it can be used in the kitchen.

National Garlic Day was first established as a way to promote the numerous health benefits of garlic and to highlight its importance in global cuisine. On this day, garlic lovers around the world come together to share their favorite recipes, explore new and creative ways to use garlic, and appreciate this amazing ingredient.

From garlic festivals to cooking contests, there are many ways to celebrate National Garlic Day. So we’ve gone ahead and curated the best garlic recipes to celebrate the stinking rose in all its glory.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering dishes that showcase garlic in all its versatile and delicious glory.

A Brief History of Garlic

Garlic has a long and storied history, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to central Asia, where it was first domesticated over 5,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used garlic for medicinal and culinary purposes.

In fact, garlic was even used as currency in ancient Egypt, and it was believed to have healing properties that could ward off infections and diseases. Garlic has also played a role in religious and spiritual practices throughout history, with many cultures believing it to have protective and purifying qualities.

And of course there’s the connection between garlic and vampires can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” was first published and Van Helsing used garlic to repel Dracula.

While the exact reason for this association is unclear, some speculate that it may have to do with the strong smell of garlic, which was believed to be offensive to supernatural beings in some cultures.

Regardless of its origins, the connection between garlic and Dracula has endured, and garlic is still commonly depicted as a weapon against vampires in popular media today.

But more importantly, garlic remains a beloved and essential ingredient in kitchens all around the world, celebrated for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a delicious and indulgent meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. These tender and juicy steak bites are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, which infuses the meat with rich flavor and keeps it moist and succulent.

To prepare this dish, start by cutting your steak into bite-sized pieces, and then seasoning them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium-high heat, and then add minced garlic to the pan, cooking until fragrant.

Add the steak bites to the pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. The garlic butter sauce will infuse the meat with rich, buttery flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Serve these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Get the Garlic Butter Steak Bites recipe at Kitchn.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes are better with garlic. For so many, that’s just a fact. Garlic Roasted Potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with so many entrees. These crispy and flavorful potatoes are easy to make and are the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main dishes.

Start by washing and chopping your potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The garlic and herbs infuse the potatoes with delicious flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes are a perfect side dish for everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, and they also work well as a vegetarian main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some sautéed greens for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Get the Garlic Roasted Potatoes recipe at Feel Good Foodie.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken

Garlic and Herb Roast Chicken is a classic dish that is loved by many. It is a simple yet flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special holiday meal.

To get started, mix together a marinade of garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and in the cavity of the bird.

Let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Roast the chicken in the oven until it is golden brown and cooked through, basting it occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and juicy.

The garlic and herbs infuse the chicken with delicious flavor, making each bite savory and satisfying. Garlic and Herb Roast Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a wide variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.

Get the Garlic and Herb Roast Chicken recipe at Cafe Delites.

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Are you a fan of succulent shrimp and garlicky goodness? Then you have to try Garlic Shrimp Scampi.

This dish is an absolute treat for the senses, with plump and juicy shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich buttery garlic sauce. The shrimp is then served over a bed of pasta, which soaks up all the delicious flavors and creates a truly decadent meal.

One bite of this dish and you’ll be hooked — the combination of tender shrimp, bold garlic, and buttery goodness is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect meal for a special occasion, a romantic date night, or just a night in with some good food and great company.

So why wait? Try Garlic Shrimp Scampi today and experience the incredible flavor for yourself!

Get the Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe at All Recipes.

Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread

For another delicious and easy-to-make garlic-based recipe to add to your dinner table, look no further than Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread. This soft and fluffy bread is topped with aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and drizzled with olive oil, making it the perfect appetizer or snack to accompany any meal.

The recipe is simple, using basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, and the result is a bread that is crispy on the outside and irresistibly tender on the inside. Plus, the garlic and herbs provide a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, using it to soak up the sauce of a stew, or enjoying it on its own as a snack, Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

So why not give it a try and add a little extra flavor to your next meal?

Get the Garlic Herb Focaccia Bread recipe at Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Garlic and Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Garlic and Lemon Roasted Asparagus is a healthy and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that is loaded with nutrients and has a delicious, slightly bitter flavor.

Roasting it in the oven with garlic and lemon brings out its natural sweetness and adds a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the asparagus perfectly.

To prepare, simply trim the tough ends off of your asparagus spears, then toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.

Spread the asparagus out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are tender and lightly browned. The garlic and lemon infuse the asparagus with delicious flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Garlic and Lemon Roasted Asparagus is a perfect side dish for everything from grilled steak to baked salmon, and it also works well as a vegetarian main dish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Get the Garlic and Lemon Roasted Asparagus recipe at The Busy Baker.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For a delicious and healthy side dish that’s full of flavor, then Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts is one of the best garlic recipes you can prepare. Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Roasting them in the oven with garlic and parmesan cheese transforms them into a savory and delicious side dish that’s sure to impress.

Trim the ends off of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half, then toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a touch of salty and nutty goodness.

Get the Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe at Tasty.

Get Cooking With These Delicious Garlic-Based Recipes

Garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. From Garlic Shrimp Scampi to Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, these delicious garlic-based recipes are sure to add a burst of flavor to any meal.

So don’t wait another minute — try one of these easy and tasty recipes for yourself and start enjoying the amazing flavors of garlic tonight!

x

Newsletter

Get a daily dose of cooking inspiration! Be the first to see newly added recipes and holiday ideas.