Garlic's Garlicky Goodness

This recipe for roasted garlic is simple, yet incredibly flavorful. The slow-roasting process caramelizes the garlic, making it sweet and mellow, while the lemon juice and herbs add a touch of brightness and acidity. The result is a spread that's perfect for spreading on bread, tossing with roasted vegetables, or using as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Garlic has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia, and was brought to Europe by the Romans. Garlic was a staple in the diets of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, and it was also used by early Chinese and Indian civilizations. In the Middle Ages, garlic was used to ward off evil spirits and to protect against the plague. Today, garlic is used in cuisines all over the world, and it is considered to be one of the most important ingredients in many dishes.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
5. Let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
6. In a small bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves, parsley, and basil.
7. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.

Why It Works

• Roasting the garlic slowly allows the cloves to caramelize and develop a sweet, mellow flavor.
• The lemon juice and herbs add a touch of brightness and acidity to the spread.
• The spread is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.