As wild garlic season reaches its peak, meal kit service HelloFresh reveals a surge in interest for the seasonal crop.
Online searches for ‘recipes using wild garlic’ have increased by 5,000% in the last month across the UK. Alongside this, searches for recipes such as ‘wild garlic risotto’ and ‘wild garlic pesto recipe’ both increased by the same amount. The rise in interest follows the boom of foraging, as TikTokers show keen cooks how to make the most of food in their own garden.
In response to this, HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley shares three wild garlic recipes.
Wild Garlic Soup
Mimi explains how to make this spring soup:
“This recipe is much like a leek and potato soup with a lighter, spring twist. Cook your potatoes and onion in a pan and soften over a medium heat for about ten minutes. Add in vegetable stock and roughly chop four generous handfuls of wild garlic before adding in. Blend together and finish with a dollop of creme fraiche for a creamy taste.”
Wild Garlic Butter
“Inspired by another recent TikTok trend, compound butter is the perfect way to elevate your dishes,” Mimi explains.
“My favourite way to use this delicious wild garlic butter recipe is in a homemade chicken kiev. Create a long pocket in your chicken breast and stuff with the butter. Fold back and seal before evenly coating your chicken breast in egg wash, flour and breadcrumbs. Shallow fry before transferring to the oven for 10 minutes.”
Wild Garlic Pesto
Finally, use your wild garlic in a fresh pesto to serve with light pasta dishes or in salad dressings.
“In a food processor combine wild garlic leaves, cashew nuts, Italian style hard cheese, seasoning and a dash of olive oil. I love using this pesto recipe in a simple spaghetti or to season roasted baby potatoes for a Sunday dinner with a difference.”
Dos and Don’ts of Foraging
Before heading out to collect your own wild garlic, be mindful of the dos and don’ts of safe and respectful foraging:
- Don’t forage on private property without the landowners consent.
- Know what you’re eating. Always use a guidebook or foraging app to identify what you’re picking. The golden rule: If you’re not sure what it is, don’t eat it.
- Be mindful of sensitive ecosystems. Make sure you do your research on the area before heading out foraging. Don’t take any more than you need and be respectful of the natural habitat.
- Wash your harvest properly! Always be sure to make sure to rinse off wild garlic and other foods to remove any insects, dirt or bacteria.
For more garlic recipe inspiration visit the HelloFresh website.
