If you’re looking to elevate your vegan cooking with a unique and deeply flavorful ingredient, black garlic is an absolute game-changer. This fermented version of regular garlic offers a sweet, mellow, and umami-rich taste that adds complexity to any dish.
Unlike raw garlic’s sharp bite, black garlic brings a subtle balsamic-like tang, making it perfect for enhancing sauces, dressings, and even desserts. Incorporating black garlic into your vegan recipes not only boosts flavor but also introduces powerful antioxidants and health benefits.
In this post, we’ll dive into three delicious and creative vegan recipes featuring black garlic. From a creamy black garlic pasta sauce to a robust black garlic mushroom stir-fry and a luscious black garlic hummus, these recipes are designed to showcase the versatility of this remarkable ingredient.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based meals, these dishes will inspire your kitchen adventures and impress your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Black garlic adds a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory, making vegan dishes more exciting and satisfying. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy bold flavors without relying on animal products.
Each recipe is:
- Rich in umami: The fermentation process transforms garlic into a naturally sweet and tangy ingredient that enhances savory dishes.
- Simple to prepare: Using black garlic is as easy as peeling and adding it to your favorite recipes.
- Healthy and nutritious: Black garlic contains antioxidants and may support heart health, making it a smart addition to your diet.
- Versatile: From sauces to dips and stir-fries, black garlic complements a wide range of vegan ingredients.
Ingredients
Black Garlic Vegan Pasta Sauce
- 8 cloves black garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
Black Garlic Mushroom Stir-Fry
- 6 cloves black garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 12 oz mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster), sliced
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, to serve
Black Garlic Hummus
- 4 cloves black garlic, peeled
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed for consistency
- Paprika and fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Food processor or blender (for hummus and pasta sauce)
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or wok (for stir-fry)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine grater or microplane (for ginger)
- Mixing bowls
- Colander (for rinsing chickpeas and draining pasta)
Instructions
Black Garlic Vegan Pasta Sauce
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, black garlic cloves, almond milk, olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth: Process the mixture until creamy and smooth, adding more almond milk if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Heat the sauce: Pour the sauce into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper if desired.
Black Garlic Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Heat the skillet: Warm sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced black garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they start releasing moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in snow peas and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Season: Pour in soy sauce and maple syrup, stirring to coat all vegetables evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Black Garlic Hummus
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, add black garlic cloves, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt.
- Blend: Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add water a tablespoon at a time to thin the hummus to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more lemon juice or salt if desired.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with paprika and fresh parsley. Serve with pita bread, veggies, or crackers.
Tips & Variations
“Black garlic is a versatile ingredient that can transform your cooking. Don’t hesitate to experiment!”
- Storage tip: Keep black garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the mushroom stir-fry for a kick.
- Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seeds for cashews in the pasta sauce for a nut-free version.
- Dip upgrade: Mix black garlic hummus with roasted red peppers or avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use in soups: Add minced black garlic to your favorite vegan soups for an umami boost.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black Garlic Vegan Pasta Sauce (per serving) | 350 | 10g | 18g | 35g | 4g |
Black Garlic Mushroom Stir-Fry (per serving) | 220 | 6g | 12g | 20g | 5g |
Black Garlic Hummus (per 1/4 cup) | 150 | 5g | 9g | 12g | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
The black garlic vegan pasta sauce pairs beautifully with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta, topped with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant touch. Try it alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve the black garlic mushroom stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. A side of pickled vegetables or kimchi can add a tangy contrast to the rich umami flavors.
The black garlic hummus is a perfect appetizer or snack. Serve with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
It also makes a great addition to a vegan mezze platter.
For more flavorful vegan ideas, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or try the tangy and creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe. For a sweet finish, don’t miss the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
Black garlic is a fantastic ingredient to have in your vegan kitchen arsenal. Its sweet, mellow, and umami-packed flavor profile enhances a wide array of dishes, from creamy sauces to savory stir-fries and dips.
These three recipes showcase just how versatile and transformative black garlic can be for plant-based cooking. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, incorporating black garlic will elevate your dishes and delight your palate.
Beyond just flavor, black garlic offers health benefits, adding antioxidants and depth to your meals without any animal products. I encourage you to try these recipes and experiment with black garlic in your own cooking.
You might also enjoy exploring other creative recipes on the site, like our Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (for non-vegans) or delicious vegan-friendly options like the ones mentioned above. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Black Garlic Pasta
Description: A savory and rich vegan pasta dish featuring the unique sweetness of black garlic. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that highlights umami flavors.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 6 cloves black garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced black garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain pasta and add to the pan, tossing to combine.
- Add nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss well and cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts.
Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 52 g
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