Roasted Garlic Delight Plate with Herb-Infused Olive Oil and Capers
This Roasted Garlic Delight Plate is a culinary treasure from the heart of Italy. Roasting garlic transforms those pungent cloves into a sweet, buttery delight, making them a perfect companion for crusty bread. Combined with fragrant herb-infused olive oil, luxurious capers, and optional mixed olives, this dish is designed for sharing and celebrating flavors. The result is an addictively delicious spread where each component shines, perfect for appetizers or a light meal. Discover the joy of dipping, spreading, and savoring every bite with friends and family. Don't forget, the leftover oil can be filtered and used in various dishes, making this a versatile recipe you’ll want to repeat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic heads
4-6 (Cut in half horizontally)
Olive oil
1 1/2 cups (For roasting)
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
4
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Extra-large capers
1 tablespoon
Mixed olives
Optional
Baguette or country bread
For serving (Sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Take the garlic heads and slice them horizontally through the middle, exposing the tips of the cloves while discarding the top bits.
2
In a small roasting dish, pour the olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, and the extra-large capers.
3
Carefully place the halved garlic heads cut-side down into the oil mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
4
Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the garlic bottoms are a deep golden brown and the cloves are soft and caramelized.
5
Once roasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes—these cloves can be very hot!
6
To serve, flip the garlic heads cut-side up and add the optional mixed olives around the dish. Enjoy by scooping out the tender garlic cloves with your bread and spreading them on top, dipping again into the aromatic oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roasted Garlic Delight Plate?
It is a culinary appetizer from Italy featuring garlic heads roasted in herb-infused olive oil and capers, served with crusty bread.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include garlic heads, olive oil, fresh thyme or rosemary, salt, pepper, extra-large capers, and bread.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How should I prepare the garlic heads?
Slice the garlic heads horizontally through the middle to expose the tips of the cloves.
What do I do with the tops of the garlic heads?
The top bits of the garlic heads should be discarded after slicing.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of olive oil.
Which herbs are recommended for the infusion?
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs are recommended for infusing the oil.
How do I arrange the garlic in the roasting dish?
Place the halved garlic heads cut-side down into the oil mixture.
Why should I cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The dish is covered tightly with foil to lock in moisture during the roasting process.
How long does the roasting take?
The garlic should roast for 45-50 minutes.
How do I know when the garlic is done?
The garlic is ready when the bottoms are a deep golden brown and the cloves are soft and caramelized.
Why is cooling necessary after roasting?
Cooling for at least 20 minutes is necessary because the oil and garlic cloves become extremely hot.
How do I flip the garlic for serving?
Once roasted and cooled, flip the garlic heads so the cut-side is facing up.
What are the optional additions for the plate?
Mixed olives can be added around the dish as an optional component.
How should the dish be eaten?
Scoop out the tender garlic cloves and spread them onto bread, then dip the bread back into the aromatic oil.
What kind of bread is best for serving?
A baguette or country bread, sliced, is ideal for serving with this dish.
Can I reuse the leftover oil?
Yes, the leftover oil can be filtered and used in various other dishes.
What flavor does roasting give to garlic?
Roasting transforms pungent garlic into a sweet and buttery delight.
Is this recipe suitable for sharing?
Yes, it is designed for sharing and celebrating flavors among friends and family.
How many garlic heads does the recipe require?
The recipe uses between 4 and 6 garlic heads.
What size capers are specified?
The recipe specifically mentions extra-large capers.
How much seasoning is needed?
Salt and pepper should be added to the oil mixture to taste.
Is this a vegetarian dish?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Can this be served as a light meal?
Yes, while primarily an appetizer, it can also serve as a light meal.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is described as a culinary treasure from the heart of Italy.
How many sprigs of herbs are needed?
The recipe suggests using 4 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.
What is the texture of the roasted garlic?
The roasted garlic cloves become soft, caramelized, and spreadable.
Can I use different types of olives?
Yes, mixed olives are recommended if you choose to include them.
How many people does this serve?
The recipe uses 4-6 garlic heads and is intended for group sharing as an appetizer.
Is this recipe easy to repeat?
Yes, its versatile nature and simple instructions make it a recipe you will want to repeat often.