Imagine a spread so incredibly delicious that it transforms ordinary crackers into gourmet delights with just one bite. Our Curried Roasted Garlic Spread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that marries the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic with the warm, exotic notes of curry powder. Perfect for sophisticated dinner parties, casual gatherings, or simply indulging your taste buds, this creamy, aromatic spread will elevate your appetizer game and leave your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the garlic head by cutting off the top 1/4 inch to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, ensuring they are lightly coated.
- Wrap the entire garlic head in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet that will help steam and roast the garlic evenly.
- Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes until it's comfortable to handle.
- Unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skin into a mixing bowl.
- Add the softened cream cheese, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the roasted garlic cloves.
- Mash and mix the ingredients thoroughly with a fork or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder to suit your preference.
- Transfer the spread to a serving dish and serve at room temperature with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetable crudités.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm garlic head with tight, intact cloves for the best roasting results.
- When roasting garlic, ensure you drizzle olive oil evenly to prevent burning and promote even caramelization.
- Let the roasted garlic cool slightly before handling to prevent burns and make squeezing the cloves easier.
- For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor instead of mashing with a fork.
- Experiment with different curry powder blends - mild, medium, or hot - to customize the spread's flavor profile.
- If the spread seems too thick, add a small amount of cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Store any leftover spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
