Wild garlic is one of the favorite spring herbs – check out 5 easy recipes that really bring out its fresh taste and aroma.
Bear garlic is one of the first spring herbs that has gained popularity not only for its bold taste but also for the wealth of beneficial substances it contains. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and has a positive effect on both immunity and digestion.
In the kitchen, it has a wide range of uses—from simple spreads to warm dishes and baked goodies. Its fresh garlic aroma can liven up even the most ordinary recipes. In the following lines, you’ll find a selection of five tasty and simple recipes where bear garlic takes the spotlight.
1. Bear Garlic Pesto
- 100 g bear garlic
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 50 g pine or walnuts
- 120 ml olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
Thoroughly wash and dry the bear garlic. Place it in a blender along with the nuts and grated Parmesan. Start blending the mixture and gradually add olive oil until you get a smooth consistency. Finally, season the pesto with salt and lemon juice to taste. You can store the finished pesto in the fridge, ideally covered with a thin layer of oil to keep it fresh longer.
2. Creamy Bear Garlic Soup
- 150 g bear garlic
- 1 small potato
- 1 onion
- 20 g butter
- 700 ml vegetable broth
- 100 ml cooking cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté finely chopped onion in butter until transparent. Then add diced potato and fry it briefly with the onion. Pour vegetable broth over the mixture and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes soften. Add the bear garlic and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to retain its flavor and color. Blend the soup until smooth, stir in the cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bear Garlic Spread
- 100 g bear garlic
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 100 g butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Finely chop or blend the bear garlic into a smooth paste. Mix it in a bowl with cottage cheese and softened butter to create a creamy consistency. Add mustard and season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the spread thoroughly and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Savory Muffins with Bear Garlic and Cheese
- 200 g plain flour
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml milk
- 80 ml oil
- 100 g grated cheese
- 80 g bear garlic
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 180 °C. In a bowl, first mix the eggs, milk, and oil until you get a uniform liquid mixture. Then add flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix everything well. Stir grated cheese and finely chopped bear garlic into the batter. Divide the finished batter into muffin forms and place them in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the muffins turn golden brown.
5. Potato Cakes with Bear Garlic
- 500 g potatoes
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons plain flour (approx. 30 g)
- 60 g bear garlic
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
- oil for frying
Instructions:
Peel and finely grate the potatoes, then slightly squeeze out the excess water. Add egg, flour, pressed garlic, and finely chopped bear garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and mix well. Heat oil in a pan and shape small cakes from the prepared batter, frying them on both sides until golden brown. Let the finished cakes drain on a paper towel and serve warm.
