Garlic Fans Will Love These 4 Simple Recipes

Italians love cooking with garlic, and many of our favorite dishes claim it as the star. From the rich aroma that fills the kitchen to the burst of flavor in every bite, garlic is a beloved ingredient that brings life to countless Italian recipes. If you love to use garlic as a staple in your kitchen, we’ve got the perfect read for you, brimming with a variety of garlicky dishes that come together in minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, crowd-pleasing appetizers, or hearty side dishes, our collection has something for every garlic enthusiast. 

Garlic confit

This dish is great as a snack on its own or as an addition to your favorite recipes to shake up the flavor. Served on crusty bread or a cracker, it can serve as a sort of savory jam, or in your pasta or steak as a topping. Start by searing your favorite fatty meat and cook until its fat melts down, creating a rich layer of liquid fat in your pot. To this fat, add your favorite herbs and chile pods if you like a bit of a kick. Once your concoction starts to boil, turn the heat all the way down and add whole garlic cloves with the skin still on. Cover the cloves with olive oil, and simmer until the cloves are fork tender. Just like that, you have an ultra-flavorful garlic confit, perfect for your palette to enjoy. 

Garlic and herb dip

For another snack with a tangy taste, great to serve for your next party or gathering, try this garlic dip. Start with a base of either sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Add minced garlic, herbs like parsley or dill, lemon juice, and salt. After mixing, you’re left with a fresh dip that satisfies a savory craving. This pairs well with veggies such as broccoli florets, carrot sticks, or cucumber rounds. You can also try it with crackers or breads for a more filling and substantial side. Even slices of your favorite cheeses will make a great vehicle for your dip, elevating the snack spread with its creamy and flavorful goodness. 

Garlic Butter Shrimp

This is a quick and irresistible dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the natural sweetness of succulent shrimp. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy recipe comes together with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for those nights when you crave something delicious but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Start by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley, creating a fragrant and flavorful base. Then add this to a pan along with the shrimp, and sauté until tender and perfectly cooked, allowing the garlic and butter to meld into a sauce that coats each shrimp. Serve the garlic butter shrimp with rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce. This is a go-to favorite for busy cooks and garlic lovers alike, offering a satisfying meal that is sure to impress family and friends with its rich, savory taste and elegant simplicity.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

While mashed potatoes are a simple staple enjoyed widely with various dishes, adding a kick of garlic is a great way to spice up the classic favorite. Start as you would with any mashed potato, by boiling until tender. Next, mash the potatoes with a mix of roasted garlic, butter, a splash of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. This pairs well with steaks, roasted chicken, veggie stir fry, or sautéd greens. Perfect for a hearty meal to satisfy a growling stomach, this creamy and savory twist is a great way to end a busy day.

Ending on a flavorful note

Garlic is a great ingredient to elevate simple dishes with its robust, savory essence. There are plenty of recipes to explore that will become instant favorites in your household starring the vegetable. Your guests will love seeing your culinary creativity shine with these easy-to-follow, flavor-packed dishes.

If you’re a fan of all things garlic, book a reservation at the Albert, and let us feed you our Italian-inspired, creative, and inventive dishes.