Introduction
Step into the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen, where every dish tells a story and every bite is a hug. Today, we’re unveiling a recipe so beloved, so essential, it’s simply known as “Grandma Famous Garlic Cream.” This isn’t just a condiment; it’s a legend in a jar, a creamy, garlicky, herbaceous concoction that promises to elevate everything it touches. Imagine a vibrant, thick cream, speckled with fresh green herbs and bursting with the pungent, savory punch of garlic – that’s the magic we’re about to create.
What makes this garlic cream famous? Its unparalleled versatility and addictive flavor. It’s a dip that vanishes instantly at parties, a sauce that transforms weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences, and a spread that makes even the simplest sandwich sing. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe is a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients blended to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this blendable wonder incredibly easy to whip up, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to discover your new culinary obsession.
This isn’t just about making a delicious sauce; it’s about capturing a bit of that homemade, grandmotherly love in every spoonful. Its creamy texture, rich garlicky notes, and bright herbaceous finish make it an irresistible addition to any meal. We’ll guide you through each simple step, from selecting the freshest garlic to blending it into a velvety dream, ensuring you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and consistency that makes Grandma’s Garlic Cream truly unforgettable. Prepare to impress your taste buds and your guests with this simple yet profoundly flavorful creation.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Ingredients
- 1 whole head large garlic, peeled (approximately 10-12 cloves)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best creaminess, or light for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup fresh sour cream or Greek yogurt (full-fat is recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin, for richness)
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water, as needed for consistency
- 1 small shallot, finely minced (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your garlic. Peel all the cloves from the head of garlic. For a milder flavor, you can briefly blanch the garlic cloves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath before draining. This reduces the raw garlic’s intensity. If you prefer a stronger, more pungent garlic flavor, use them raw.
- Roughly chop the peeled garlic cloves to help your blender or food processor break them down more easily.
- Wash and thoroughly dry your fresh cilantro and parsley. Remove any thick stems and finely chop the leaves. The finer the chop, the more evenly distributed the herbs will be in the cream.
- If using, peel and finely mince the small shallot.
- Into the bowl of a food processor or a high-speed blender, add the chopped garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and minced shallot.
- Begin blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to medium. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Once the base is smooth, add the finely chopped fresh cilantro and parsley. Pulse the blender or food processor a few times until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cream, creating those beautiful green specks, but be careful not to over-blend, as you want to maintain some texture from the herbs.
- Check the consistency of the garlic cream. It should be thick and spoonable, but not overly stiff. If it’s too thick, add cold water one tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, a little goes a long way.
- Taste the garlic cream and adjust seasonings as necessary. You might want to add a pinch more salt, a grind of pepper, or a tiny squeeze more lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The goal is a balanced flavor profile where the garlic shines, complemented by the herbs and creaminess.
- Once seasoned to perfection, transfer the Grandma Famous Garlic Cream to an airtight jar or container. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making the cream even more delicious.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the incredible versatility of your homemade garlic cream!
Cooking Tips and Variations
To achieve the absolute best Grandma Famous Garlic Cream, start with the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh garlic, vibrant herbs, and high-quality creamy bases will make a noticeable difference in the final product. For an even more mellow and slightly sweet garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the blender. Simply toss unpeeled cloves with a drizzle of olive oil, wrap them in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft. Once cooled, squeeze out the pulp and proceed with the recipe. This technique offers a delightful alternative to raw garlic’s sharp punch.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the herbs! While cilantro and parsley provide a classic, universally loved flavor, you can easily customize this cream to your liking. Consider adding fresh dill for a brighter, more Mediterranean feel, chives for a delicate oniony note, or even a touch of fresh basil for an aromatic twist. A small amount of fresh mint can also add an unexpected freshness, especially when pairing the cream with lamb or certain vegetables. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a tiny amount of finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper can provide a lovely kick.
The creamy base offers another fantastic opportunity for customization. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, offering a tangy flavor and a boost of protein. For a dairy-free or vegan version, cashew cream (made by soaking cashews and blending them with water) or a high-quality vegan mayonnaise can be used as the primary creamy component. You might need to adjust the water content to achieve the right consistency with these alternatives. Furthermore, for an extra rich and decadent cream, a tablespoon of cream cheese can be added to the mayonnaise and sour cream base, lending a thicker texture and a subtle tang. Always taste and adjust seasonings with any substitution, as flavors can vary.
Achieving the perfect consistency is key. If your garlic cream is too thick after blending, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition. Be patient, as adding too much at once can quickly make it too thin. Conversely, if it somehow ends up too thin (perhaps from adding too much liquid or using a very thin mayonnaise), you can try adding a tablespoon of additional mayonnaise or sour cream, or even a small spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami boost that also helps thicken. Remember that the cream will thicken slightly as it chills in the refrigerator, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly thicker than too thin initially.
Finally, for optimal flavor development, always allow your Grandma Famous Garlic Cream to chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before serving. This resting period allows all the flavors to marry and deepen, resulting in a much more harmonious and delicious cream. If you’re planning to make a large batch for entertaining or meal prep, consider sterilizing your jars. This simple step can extend the shelf life of your cream and ensure it stays fresh and delicious for longer. Enjoy the process of creating this incredibly versatile and flavorful garlic cream that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Storage and Reheating
Grandma Famous Garlic Cream is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Once prepared, transfer the garlic cream into an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any premature spoilage. Store the cream in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will maintain its peak freshness and flavor for up to 5-7 days. While it won’t “go bad” immediately after this period, the vibrant flavors of the fresh herbs and garlic may begin to diminish, and the texture might slightly change.
When retrieving the cream from the refrigerator, give it a good stir before serving, as some separation of liquids might occur, especially if you used Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise. This is completely normal and easily remedied with a quick mix. The cream is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is typically necessary. In fact, heating the cream is generally not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mayonnaise and sour cream base, causing it to separate or become oily, and can diminish the fresh, vibrant notes of the raw garlic and herbs. The beauty of this cream lies in its cool, refreshing quality.
Freezing Grandma Famous Garlic Cream is generally not recommended. The dairy-based components (mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt) tend to separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing, leading to an undesirable texture. The fresh herbs may also lose their vibrant color and fresh taste. For these reasons, it’s best to make this recipe in batches that you can consume within the recommended refrigeration period rather than attempting to freeze it for long-term storage.
If you find yourself with a larger batch than you can consume, consider sharing it with friends or incorporating it into a variety of dishes throughout the week. Its versatility means it can quickly be used up as a dip, a sandwich spread, a pasta sauce base, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. Always use a clean spoon each time you dip into the container to prevent introducing bacteria, which can shorten its shelf life. By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure every spoonful of your Grandma Famous Garlic Cream is as delicious as the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
While technically possible, using dried herbs is not recommended for Grandma Famous Garlic Cream. The essence of this recipe lies in the bright, fresh, and vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and parsley. Dried herbs will significantly alter the flavor profile and color, resulting in a less aromatic and less appealing cream. For the best results and to truly capture the “famous” quality, stick to fresh herbs.
How can I make this garlic cream vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a high-quality vegan mayonnaise and replace the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like vegan sour cream, unsweetened cashew cream, or a thick, unsweetened plain vegan yogurt. Ensure your plant-based alternatives are thick and creamy for the best texture. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the desired consistency, as plant-based products can vary in thickness.
What if my garlic cream is too garlicky?
If you find your garlic cream too pungent or intense, there are a couple of ways to mellow it out. You can add a bit more of the creamy base (mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt) to dilute the garlic flavor. Another trick is to add a small amount of sugar or honey (about 1/2 teaspoon at a time) to balance the intensity. For future batches, consider blanching the raw garlic cloves briefly in boiling water (30 seconds) before blending, which helps to reduce their potent sharpness without losing flavor. Alternatively, using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic will yield a much sweeter, milder, and more complex garlic flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Yes, absolutely! Grandma Famous Garlic Cream is an excellent make-ahead item for parties and entertaining. In fact, preparing it 4-24 hours in advance and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. This makes party planning much easier, as one delicious component will be ready to go!
