Aging garlic, specifically to achieve a black garlic effect, can be done using a slow cooker. Here's how, according to one specific method:
Steps for Aging Garlic
This method involves aging whole garlic bulbs in a slow cooker on the warm setting:
- Prepare the Garlic: Place whole garlic bulbs into your slow cooker. There's no need to peel or cut them.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Set your slow cooker to the "warm" setting.
- The Aging Process: Allow the garlic to age for 3 weeks on the "warm" setting.
- Do not open the cooker during this initial aging period.
- Check the slow cooker occasionally to ensure the setting is still on "warm" and that it hasn't turned off.
- Check for Doneness: The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and have turned completely black.
- The inside of each clove will become very soft and have a balsamic-like texture and flavor.
| Step | Action | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Place whole garlic bulbs in the slow cooker | 5 minutes | Do not peel or cut the garlic. |
| 2. Slow Cooker Setting | Set the slow cooker to "warm" | 5 minutes | Check occasionally to ensure it is still on. |
| 3. Initial Aging | Let the garlic age without opening the cooker | 3 weeks | Do not open the cooker. |
| 4. Checking for Doneness | Check cloves, should be soft and black | as needed | Garlic is ready when cloves are fully black and soft. |
This method transforms regular garlic into what is commonly known as black garlic. The aged garlic has a unique sweet and umami flavor and a soft, almost spreadable texture. It's ready to use when the cloves are completely black and soft.
