Easy Garlic Mustard Recipes
Are you looking for easy, tasty, and sustainable ways to manage garlic mustard, an invasive plant in the United States? Dive into these recipes that not only help control this fast-spreading weed but also unlock its rich flavor and nutrient profile.
The Garlic Mustard Story
Originally introduced to the United States in the 1800s for its medicinal properties and soil erosion control, garlic mustard quickly became an invasive menace. Its rapid growth shades native plants and depletes soil nutrients.
Nutritional Profile
Despite its invasive nature, garlic mustard boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, it also provides essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, and manganese. Additionally, you’ll find omega-3 fatty acids in this wild spring green, making it a valuable early-season addition to your diet.
Identifying Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is known to contain small amounts of cyanide, to err on the side of caution- always heat (by sauteeing, blanching, for example) the plant before adding it to your recipes.
Spot garlic mustard by these characteristics:
- Variable height (a few inches to a few feet)
- Dark green, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges
- Low-growing rosettes in the first year
- Small, white, four-petaled flowers on tall stalks in the second year
- Non-fuzzy leaves
- Strong garlic scent when crushed
*It is always a smart idea to check with a variety of field guides and reliable online resources before harvesting new wild edibles for the first several times.
The state of Michigan does a thorough job of providing ample identification information for garlic mustard.
Luckily, garlic mustard can be harvested from early spring all the way through autumn and is one of my favorite things to forage once it starts to get cold. So, these dishes can grace your table almost year-round.
Check out my favorite field guide to assist in the identification of garlic mustard and tons of other wild edible plants
Unlocking the Culinary Magic of Garlic Mustard
Now, with this knowledge in hand, we can harness garlic mustard’s potential year-round. From the vibrant green shoots of spring to the crisp days of autumn, this versatile plant finds its way to our tables in delicious ways. You may want to consider harvesting and freezing garlic mustard leaves to be used throughout the winter!
Whether transformed into the rich and aromatic Garlic Mustard Pesto, blended into the creamy and tangy Garlic Mustard Gouda Spread, or used to elevate classic dishes like Garlic Mustard Alfredo, we’ve unlocked the full potential of this misunderstood invader.
So, next time you encounter garlic mustard in your surroundings, consider its potential not only as a threat to native ecosystems but also as a unique and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. With responsible foraging practices and a dash of creativity, we can transform invasive weeds into flavorful delights, connecting us more deeply with the natural world and the food we enjoy. Happy foraging and bon appétit!
Three Easy Garlic Mustard Recipes
Garlic Mustard Pesto – Garlic Mustard Gouda Spread – Garlic Mustard Alfredo
Garlic Mustard Pesto
Garlic Mustard Pesto
Serve your homemade garlic mustard pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a dip for bread, or a flavorful topping for grilled chicken or vegetables. Get creative and savor the unique taste of this wild green.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh garlic mustard leaves, blanched
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (or your choice of nuts)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Garlic Mustard Leaves: Rinse the garlic mustard leaves thoroughly. Add them to boiling water for 15 seconds and immediately remove to a bowl of ice water. Dry the leaves thoroughly.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the blanched and dried garlic mustard leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.
4. Start Blending: Pulse the ingredients a few times to start breaking them down.
5. Gradually Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Season: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend again until everything is well mixed.
7. Store or Serve: Transfer the garlic mustard pesto to an airtight container or a glass jar.
Notes
The blanching process is important because it has been found that garlic mustard contains trace amounts of cyanide. The heating process will remove the poison.
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Garlic Mustard Gouda Spread
Garlic Mustard Gouda Spread
Serve your homemade Garlic Mustard Gouda Spread as a delectable dip for crackers, a flavorful sandwich spread, a topping for grilled chicken or burgers, or as a delightful addition to pasta dishes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of Gouda cheese, grated
- 1 cup blanched garlic mustard leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons of softened cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Mustard:
- Rinse the garlic mustard leaves.
- Add them to boiling water for 15 seconds and then quickly move them to iced water
- Thoroughly dry the leaves
2. Grate the Gouda:
- Grate the Gouda cheese using the fine side of a grater.
3. Blend Ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the grated Gouda cheese, garlic mustard leaves, minced garlic, mayonnaise, cream cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Blend Until Smooth:
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth and creamy consistency.
5. Season to Taste:
- Taste the spread and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add a pinch of salt at a time, as the cheese can be salty on its own.
6. Adjust Consistency:
- If the spread is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency. Blend again as needed.
7. Serve or Store:
- Transfer the Gouda spread to an airtight container or a serving dish. You can use it immediately or refrigerate it for later use. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
The blanching process is important because it has been found that garlic mustard contains trace amounts of cyanide. The heating process will remove the poison.
Garlic Mustard Alfredo
Garlic Mustard Alfredo Sauce
Serve your homemade Garlic Mustard Alfredo Sauce over cooked pasta for a delightful and unique twist on a classic dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped garlic mustard leaves if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup minced garlic mustard leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Mustard Leaves:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh garlic mustard leaves.
2. Melt Butter:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Sauté Garlic Mustard:
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic mustard leaves to the saucepan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.
4. Add Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sautéed garlic mustard. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
- Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce while constantly stirring. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
6. Season and Spice:
- Season the garlic mustard Alfredo sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also include garlic powder for an extra garlic kick.
7. Adjust Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency. Continue to simmer and stir as needed.
8. Serve:
- Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
The sauteeing process is important because it has been found that garlic mustard contains trace amounts of cyanide. The heat will remove the poison.
Garlic Mustard Alfredo Sauce
Serve your homemade Garlic Mustard Alfredo Sauce over cooked pasta for a delightful and unique twist on a classic dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped garlic mustard leaves if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup minced garlic mustard leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Mustard Leaves:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh garlic mustard leaves.
2. Melt Butter:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Sauté Garlic Mustard:
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic mustard leaves to the saucepan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.
4. Add Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sautéed garlic mustard. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
- Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce while constantly stirring. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
6. Season and Spice:
- Season the garlic mustard Alfredo sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also include garlic powder for an extra garlic kick.
7. Adjust Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency. Continue to simmer and stir as needed.
8. Serve:
- Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
The sauteeing process is important because it has been found that garlic mustard contains trace amounts of cyanide. The heat will remove the poison.
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