Instant Pot Black Garlic

This sweet and slightly earthy black garlic delicacy transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet creations. The best part? You can make it easily at home using an Instant Pot.

If you're looking to elevate your culinary game with minimal effort, black garlic is the ingredient you need. This sweet, earthy, and slightly tangy delicacy transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet creations. The best part? You can make it easily at home using an Instant Pot.

In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of black garlic, how to make it using your Instant Pot, and how to incorporate it into your meals for a burst of flavor and nutrition.

Why Black Garlic?

Black garlic is simply fermented garlic that has been aged over time, resulting in a deep black color and a complex flavor profile. But it's not just about taste—black garlic is packed with health benefits.

It contains twice the antioxidants of raw garlic, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting food. Additionally, it's rich in S-allyl cysteine, a compound that has been linked to heart health, improved cholesterol levels, and even cancer prevention.

Making Black Garlic with an Instant Pot: Surprisingly Simple

Traditionally, black garlic is made by aging whole bulbs of garlic at a controlled temperature and humidity for several weeks. This process, while effective, requires time and patience. However, with an Instant Pot, you can drastically reduce the time needed and achieve the same delicious results in a more convenient way.

Instant Pot Black Garlic: What You’ll Need

• 7 Whole medium-size bulbs of garlic 
• Aluminum foil
• Instant Pot (or any other brand similar to the Instant Pot).

Steps to Make Black Garlic In an Instant Pot

1. Prepare the Garlic: Start by removing any loose outer layers of the garlic bulbs, but keep the skin intact to protect the cloves.
2. Wrap the Garlic: Individually wrap each bulb of garlic in aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in and ensures even fermentation.
3. Set Up the Instant Pot: Place a trivet or steamer rack inside the Instant Pot. This will prevent the garlic from directly touching the bottom of the pot, where it could burn.
4. Cook on the Yogurt Setting: Place the wrapped garlic bulbs on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Set the Instant Pot to the "Yogurt" function on the lowest setting. You’ll need to leave the garlic in the Instant Pot for about 3 weeks. Yes, it takes time, but the wait is worth it! Make sure not to use the pressure lid; you can simply use a glass lid or cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Turn the valve on (do not close it, the moisture needs to escape the pot).
5. Place it Outside Undercover: For the first 2 weeks the aroma is strong. For someone like me who loves the smell of garlic, it is overwhelming after 5 days of smelling it. And each day as it progresses in two weeks, it does it stronger. I suggest placing it outside undercover from sun and rain. This includes the electric plug as well.
6. Check and Store: After 3 weeks, unseal the garlic and check its colour and texture. The cloves should be jet black, soft, and sticky. If it needs more time then give check in every so often. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enhancing Your Meals with Black Garlic

Once you've made your black garlic, you can use it to enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some simple ways to incorporate it:

1. Black Garlic Butter: Mash a few cloves of black garlic and mix them into softened butter. Spread it on toast, use it as a steak topping, or melt it over roasted vegetables for an umami-rich flavor boost.

2. Black Garlic Aioli: Blend black garlic into homemade or store-bought mayonnaise to create a creamy aioli. It's perfect for dipping fries, drizzling over burgers, or spreading on sandwiches.

3. Salad Dressings: Add minced black garlic to your favorite vinaigrette or creamy dressing for an extra layer of depth and sweetness.

4. Pasta Sauce: Stir black garlic into your pasta sauce, whether it’s a tomato-based sauce, Alfredo, or pesto. The black garlic will add complexity and a subtle sweetness that elevates the dish.

5. Soups and Stews: Toss a few cloves of black garlic into soups, stews, or broths during the cooking process. It will dissolve into the liquid, imparting a rich, savory flavor.

6. Roasted Meats and Vegetables: Rub black garlic directly onto meats or vegetables before roasting to enhance their natural flavors.

The Health Benefits of Black Garlic

In addition to its incredible flavor, black garlic is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The fermentation process also makes it easier to digest, allowing your body to absorb its nutrients more effectively. Regular consumption of black garlic has been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and enhanced immune function.

Why You Should Try This Instant Pot Black Garlic

Making black garlic at home using an Instant Pot is a simple and rewarding process that brings a unique and healthy ingredient into your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to experiment with flavors in both traditional and innovative dishes. So why not give it a try? You might just find that black garlic becomes your new secret ingredient, adding depth, flavor, and a host of health benefits to your everyday cooking.