Elephant garlic

Elephant garlic is very large heads of garlic which are related to but not the same as common field garlic. This large garlic (about 2-3 times larger than field garlic) is not a true garlic but more closely related to a leek.  While Elephant Garlic imparts a similar flavor it is not as strong, and in fact has a very mild flavor and does not provide the same health benefits as true garlic.

Elephant garlic is not a good substitute for conventional field garlic because it lacks the strong, distinctive flavor garlic provides to a recipe.  To get the most flavor out of elephant garlic you can roast it.

If you don't have elephant garlic, substitute:

• Use regular field garlic but it is stronger so you'll need less.
• OR - Use equal amounts of chopped leek + 1/2 minced garlic clove