Green Garlic Crostini
I’m a huge garlic fan. I use it in just about everything from spaghetti sauce to stews. I even roast it and spread it on toast. But last year I discovered something called green garlic. It’s a younger version of garlic which means it’s not quite as potent. But just because it’s not strong, doesn’t mean you still can’t use it the same way you use its older sibling.
It’s great braised, sautéed, grilled or roasted. You can also use it raw in salads, pestos or dressings. But what I really liked about the green garlic is how fresh it is. I mean, it’s still got the spice you’re used to, but it’s not nearly as overpowering. Actually if I could say spring had a flavor, I’d say it would probably taste a lot like green garlic. It’s fresh and light, but with a sharp tang that really wakes up the senses. Harvested before the bulb has a chance to form, green garlic can often be mistaken for scallions (also known as green onions) but the stalks of the garlic are flat where the stalks for the onions are round.
Like mature garlic or scallions, the green garlic pairs well with just about everything, but goes best with seafood and pasta, as well as cheese, onions and tomatoes. Since I like it best raw, I used it to make these crostinis. That burst of piquant spiciness pairs well with the mild flavors of a nice, soft goat cheese. When stirred together and allowed to set for a bit in the fridge, the flavors meld into a delicious spread that’s great on a nice piece of french bread or cracker.
If you’d like to try it, the next time you’re at the farmers market grab a bunch, but make sure you avoid those that have bruised or wilted stems. The bunches you grab should have dark green leaves, long white, pink, or purple bases and roots that are still intact. Once you’ve picked the right bunch, chop them up and add them to your next summer salad or grill them with your favorite vegetable. How ever you choose to use them, you’ll be thrilled with the flavor and as excited as I am every time spring comes around.
Green Garlic Crostini (adapted from Blue Kitchen)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces herbed goat cheese
- 5 stalks green garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat a grill to 300°F.
- Place the goat cheese in a medium bowl. Mince the green garlic, white and light green parts only. Mix the minced garlic into the goat cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile brush each slice of bread with a little olive oil on both sides and grill for about five minutes or until the bread is toasted and has nice grill marks. Transfer to a platter.
- Spread prepared garlic cheese on each baguette slice and serve.
