Laba garlic is a Chinese recipe that has been around for centuries. It is a simple dish that combines garlic, ginger, and scallions with soy sauce and sesame oil. It is a great way to add flavor to any dish and can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
It is often served during the Laba Festival, which is celebrated on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month. This festival is also known as the Rice Porridge Festival, as it is traditionally served as part of the meal.
This recipe is simple and easy to make, and it’s a great way to add a little extra flavor to any dish. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and scallions.
What is Laba Garlic?
Laba garlic, a type of vinegar-preserved garlic, exhibits a distinctive hue ranging from green to blue and boasts a flavor profile characterized by sourness with a subtle spiciness. This particular garlic variation derives its name from the tradition of crafting it on the 8th day of the 12th month in the Chinese Lunar calendar, coinciding with the Laba Festival.
It combines garlic, ginger, scallions, and soy sauce with sesame oil. It is usually served as part of a meal during the Laba Festival, which is celebrated on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month.
The dish is simple and easy to make and is a great way to add flavor to any dish. The key ingredients in laba garlic are garlic, ginger, and scallions. Garlic is a powerful flavor enhancer and is often used in Chinese cooking.
Ginger is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking and is known for its subtle flavor and aroma. Scallions are often used for their mild flavor and aroma. Soy sauce and sesame oil are used to season the dish and give it an extra flavor boost.
Why You’ll Love this Laba Garlic?
Laba garlic is a great recipe for a variety of reasons. First off, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers or just to add flavor to any dish.
The flavors of the garlic, ginger, and scallions really come together to create a flavorful dish. The soy sauce and sesame oil add a nice depth of flavor and the dish is really flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, or as a main course. You can also customize it with different ingredients, such as adding mushrooms or other vegetables.
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The ingredients
3 Heads of Aromatic White Purple Garlic, each clove a flavorful alchemy waiting to unfold: The Aromatic White Purple Garlic is the key ingredient in the laba garlic recipe. Each clove holds a potent and flavorful alchemy that, when combined with the other ingredients, contributes to the rich and aromatic essence of the infused garlic. The choice of aromatic garlic varieties enhances the complexity and depth of flavor in the final culinary creation.
1 Tablespoon of Finely Milled White Sugar, a touch of sweetness to balance the vibrant flavors: The Finely Milled White Sugar serves a dual purpose in the recipe. Beyond adding a touch of sweetness to balance the vibrant flavors of the garlic, sugar also plays a role in the preservation process. The sweetness helps mellow the pungency of raw garlic and contributes to a more nuanced and balanced infusion.
3/8 Cup (6 tablespoons) of Pure White Vinegar, a crystal-clear elixir to preserve the garlic essence: Pure White Vinegar serves as a preservative in the laba garlic recipe. Its acidity not only helps preserve the garlic but also acts as a medium for extracting and infusing the garlic flavor into the liquid. The crystal-clear elixir of white vinegar ensures the garlic essence is captured and preserved without introducing any color or additional flavors.
3/8 Cup (6 tablespoons) of Velvety Brown (Rice) Vinegar, adding a subtle richness to the infusion: Brown (Rice) Vinegar introduces a subtle richness to the infusion, contributing depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The velvety quality of brown rice vinegar complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the laba garlic.
1 Small Clear Glass Bottle/Jar, a vessel to encapsulate the magic and visual beauty of this culinary creation: The Small Clear Glass Bottle/Jar serves as the vessel to encapsulate the magic and visual beauty of the laba garlic infusion. Using a clear container allows the vibrant colors of the garlic and liquid to be showcased, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Additionally, the glass container is ideal for preserving and storing the infused garlic while allowing for easy visibility of the contents.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic:
- Peel and separate the cloves from 2.5 to 3 heads of aromatic white-purple garlic. Ensure the cloves are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Slice or Crush Garlic (Optional):
- Depending on your preference, you can either thinly slice the garlic cloves or give them a gentle crush. Slicing provides a milder flavor, while crushing intensifies the garlic essence.
Step 3: Combine Sugar and Vinegars:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of finely milled white sugar, 6 tablespoons of pure white vinegar, and 6 tablespoons of velvety brown (rice) vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 4: Layer Garlic in the Glass Bottle/Jar:
- Begin layering the sliced or crushed garlic cloves into the small clear glass bottle or jar. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pour Vinegar Mixture:
- Once the garlic is layered, carefully pour the vinegar mixture over the garlic cloves. Ensure the vinegar mixture covers the garlic entirely.
Step 6: Seal the Bottle/Jar:
- Seal the small clear glass bottle or jar tightly to preserve the flavors. Make sure the lid is secure to prevent any leakage.
Step 7: Shake Gently (Optional):
- If you want to expedite the infusion process, give the sealed bottle or jar a gentle shake. This helps distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 8: Store in a Cool Place:
- Place the sealed bottle or jar in a cool, dark place to allow the garlic to infuse with the sweet and tangy flavors of the vinegar mixture.
Step 9: Infusion Time:
- Let the Laba Garlic infuse for at least 3-5 days. The longer it sits, the more robust the flavors will become. You can taste-test after a few days to check the intensity.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the Laba Garlic has reached your desired level of flavor, you can start incorporating it into various dishes. Use it as a condiment, topping, or flavor enhancer for salads, meats, or even as a side dish.
Step 11: Refrigerate After Opening:
- Store the Laba Garlic in the refrigerator after opening to prolong its shelf life and maintain its freshness.
Notes
- If you don’t have a wok or large skillet, you can use a regular skillet.
- If you like a spicier dish, you can add some chili paste or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other vegetables, such as mushrooms, for the scallions.
- You can also add some cooked rice or noodles to turn this into a main dish.
- If you like a sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
- Be sure to adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Laba garlic is a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. One serving of laba garlic contains approximately:
Calories: 80
Total Fat: 1.5g
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 2.5g
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 1% DV
Iron: 4% DV
How to Store Laba Garlic?
Laba garlic can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
Vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version of laba garlic, omit the soy sauce and replace it with a vegetarian alternative. You can also add tofu or other vegetables for a heartier dish.
Spicy: For a spicy version, add some chili paste or red pepper flakes. You can also add some hot sauce or Sriracha for some extra heat.
Sweet: For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. You can also add some dried fruit or fresh fruit for a sweet-and-sour flavor.
Coconut Milk: For a creamy version, add a can of coconut milk to the dish. You can also add some curry powder for an extra flavor boost.
Noodles: To turn this into a main dish, add cooked noodles or rice to the dish.
Mushrooms: For a heartier dish, add some mushrooms to the dish.
Equipment
- small bowl
- Small Clear Glass Bottle or Jar
- spoon, Etc.
Ingredients
- 3 Heads of Aromatic White Purple Garlic each clove a flavorful alchemy waiting to unfold
- 1 Tablespoon of Finely Milled White Sugar a touch of sweetness to balance the vibrant flavors
- 3/8 Cup 6 tablespoons of Pure White Vinegar, a crystal-clear elixir to preserve the garlic essence
- 3/8 Cup 6 tablespoons of Velvety Brown (Rice) Vinegar, adding a subtle richness to the infusion
- 1 Small Clear Glass Bottle/Jar a vessel to encapsulate the magic and visual beauty of this culinary creation
Instructions
1.Prepare the Garlic:
- Peel and separate the cloves from 2.5 to 3 heads of aromatic white-purple garlic. Ensure the cloves are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
2.Slice or Crush Garlic (Optional):
- Depending on your preference, you can either thinly slice the garlic cloves or give them a gentle crush. Slicing provides a milder flavor, while crushing intensifies the garlic essence.
3.Combine Sugar and Vinegars:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of finely milled white sugar, 6 tablespoons of pure white vinegar, and 6 tablespoons of velvety brown (rice) vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
4.Layer Garlic in the Glass Bottle/Jar:
- Begin layering the sliced or crushed garlic cloves into the small clear glass bottle or jar. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed.
5.Pour Vinegar Mixture:
- Once the garlic is layered, carefully pour the vinegar mixture over the garlic cloves. Ensure the vinegar mixture covers the garlic entirely.
6.Seal the Bottle/Jar:
- Seal the small clear glass bottle or jar tightly to preserve the flavors. Make sure the lid is secure to prevent any leakage.
7.Shake Gently (Optional):
- If you want to expedite the infusion process, give the sealed bottle or jar a gentle shake. This helps distribute the flavors evenly.
8.Store in a Cool Place:
- Place the sealed bottle or jar in a cool, dark place to allow the garlic to infuse with the sweet and tangy flavors of the vinegar mixture.
9.Infusion Time:
- Let the Laba Garlic infuse for at least 3-5 days. The longer it sits, the more robust the flavors will become. You can taste-test after a few days to check the intensity.
10.Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the Laba Garlic has reached your desired level of flavor, you can start incorporating it into various dishes. Use it as a condiment, topping, or flavor enhancer for salads, meats, or even as a side dish.
11.Refrigerate After Opening:
- Store the Laba Garlic in the refrigerator after opening to prolong its shelf life and maintain its freshness.
Notes
- If you don’t have a wok or large skillet, you can use a regular skillet.
- If you like a spicier dish, you can add some chili paste or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other vegetables, such as mushrooms, for the scallions.
- You can also add some cooked rice or noodles to turn this into a main dish.
- If you like a sweeter flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
- Be sure to adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute other vegetables for the scallions?
Yes, you can substitute other vegetables, such as mushrooms, for the scallions.
2. What other ingredients can I add to this recipe?
You can add other ingredients, such as tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables, to this recipe. You can also add some chili paste or red pepper flakes for some extra spice.
3. Is laba garlic healthy?
Yes, laba garlic is a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat and is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
4. Can I add cooked noodles or rice to this dish?
Yes, you can add cooked noodles or rice to turn this into a main dish.
Conclusion
Laba garlic is a traditional Chinese dish that is easy to make and is a great way to add flavor to any dish. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and scallions.
The dish is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it with different ingredients or add cooked noodles or rice to turn it into a main dish.
It’s also a healthy dish that is low in calories and fat and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. So next time you’re looking for a flavorful dish, give laba garlic a try!