Whether you’re in it for the flavor, the gut benefits, or the mild vampire-repellent properties, garlic deserves its own space on your plate. These five recipes are built to unlock garlic’s best compounds—allicin, DADS, DATS, and SAC—without scaring off your dinner guests.
1. Hopium Garlic Shot (Immunity Wake-Up)
Use when: You feel a cold coming on or need to feel invincible.
Ingredients:
- 1 clove raw garlic, crushed and minced (rest 10 min)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 oz warm water
Instructions:
- Let the minced garlic sit 10 minutes to activate allicin.
- Mix all ingredients in a shot glass or espresso cup.
- Plug your nose if necessary. Then—cheers!
🧬 Best taken on an empty stomach for full microbial effect.
2. Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Spread (Sweet & Spreadable)
Use when: You want to smear wellness on sourdough or fold into warm pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 heads garlic
- Olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions:
- Slice tops off garlic heads, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil.
- Roast at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 mins until soft and golden.
- Squeeze out cloves, mash with oil, salt, and herbs.
🥄 Mellow and rich—packed with DADS/DATS for gentle, long-lasting benefits.
3. Garlicky Lentil Soup with Lemon & Herbs
Use when: You want anti-inflammatory comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, cumin, black pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add lentils, spices, 4 cups water or broth.
- Simmer 20–25 mins. Add lemon juice and herbs at the end.
🍋 Pairs beautifully with toast and roasted garlic spread.
4. Black Garlic & Mushroom Stir-Fry
Use when: You want umami, gut support, and blood sugar control.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp black garlic (aged garlic, found in specialty shops)
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini)
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions, chili flakes
Instructions:
- Sauté mushrooms in sesame oil until golden.
- Add chopped black garlic and tamari. Stir until warm and fragrant.
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or quinoa.
🧠 SAC-rich, gentle on the stomach, and brain-nourishing.
5. Garlic Confit (The Spoonable Secret Weapon)
Use when: You want to keep garlic ready-to-go in your fridge.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves
- 1 cup olive oil (or enough to fully submerge)
- Sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or chili flakes
Instructions:
- Add garlic and oil to a small saucepan.
- Simmer on the lowest possible heat for 30–45 minutes.
- Let cool. Store in glass jar, refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
✨ Spoon it over eggs, toast, vegetables, soup, or… everything.
Bonus: Storage & Smell Tips
- 🧼 Chew parsley or mint to tame breath.
- 💦 Lemon water + baking soda rinse for hands.
- 🌿 Store peeled cloves in vinegar or oil (short-term) for quick access.
