This amazing vegan wild garlic spread or dip is made with sunflower seeds and lemon juice, and it's so good you will end up putting it on top of everything.
Take advantage of nature's gifts and make a bowl of wild garlic spread with sunflower seeds. It is incredibly delicious and perfect for dipping or spreading on bread or crackers.
I went foraging recently and came home with a huge basket full of wild garlic. I didn't weigh it, so I really don't know how much it was, but after washing and drying it, I was busy with it for two whole days.
I made so much with it: about 15 small jars of this wild garlic pesto, which my children love, and wild garlic paste to mix in soups and stews and so on.
Then I made wild garlic and potato soup, wild garlic pasta, wild garlic bread, wild garlic crepes, wild garlic oil, feta spread, and this delicious wild garlic dip, too. One of the best spreads I have ever made.
How to pick wild garlic?
Wild garlic is also known as ramson or bear's garlic, and it is widespread across Europe. In our region, we can pick it from April to May. There is a huge wood full of it just 2 or 3 km away from us.
The only danger when picking it is to mistake it with the Lilly of the Valley. That is not a problem where I pick it, there is no Lilly of the Valley growing there at all, but I have heard of people being poisoned due to picking and eating the wrong plant.
When going picking, make sure you know the area and that you know the difference between the two plants. They look similar at first sight, but the differences are easily spotted if you know where to look. So beware and inform yourself very very thoroughly before going to pick ramsons.
To learn more about safely picking and cleaning this wonderful plant, read What to Do with Wild Garlic?
What does wild garlic dip taste like?
- Despite its very strong garlic aroma, wild garlic is milder than regular garlic.
- It definitely tastes like it, but in a much softer, delicate way, so this might even be something for those who are not as keen as I am on eating garlic.
- If you've never had it before but you have access to it, make sure to get some this season; it will be a revelation. You will be hooked, and you will be picking it or buying it again year after year, that is for sure! ๐
How to serve the spread?
- You can eat the wild garlic spread on bread or crackers.
- Top with cheese or sliced hard-boiled eggs (if you are not vegan) or with sliced tomatoes, for instance.
- Smear some in pita bread (or tortillas) and top with baked falafel and vegetables (raw or roasted).
- You can have it as a dip for veggies as well.
- Mix with cooked hot pasta and a little pasta sauce to make the sauce thinner.
Wild Garlic Spread or Dip
Ingredients
- 1 bunch wild garlic 1.7 oz/ 50 g
- ยพ cup sunflower seeds 100 g, Note 1
- โ cup plant-based milk 75 ml, Note 2
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare wild garlic: Wash and dry the wild garlic leaves very thoroughly, they should be really dry. Remove the stems.1 bunch wild garlic/ 1.7 oz/ 50 g
- Grind: Place the sunflower seeds in the food processor and process them very finely to obtain a powder. Please don't exaggerate, though; you do not want the seeds to release their oils and turn to butter.ยพ cup sunflower seeds/ 100 g
- Blend: Add the nut milk, oil, lemon juice, salt, and finely chopped wild garlic and process until you obtain a paste. Scrape the walls of the food processor a few times in between.โ cup plant-based milk/ 75 ml + 3 tablespoons sunflower oil + 1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Adjust the taste with more lemon juice and salt if necessary.
- Store, covered, in a jar or bowl. It will keep for at least 1 week in the refrigerator, or it can be frozen.
Notes
- Seeds: Pine nuts are a delightful substitute for sunflower seeds.
- Milk: I use oat milk or almond milk most of the time.
Evi @ greenevi says
Wow, Adina, this spread looks awesome! Plus it's vegan, healthy and vibrant green, so cool! I haven't had wild garlic this year yet, can't wait to get some and try this recipe ๐
Lisa | Chocolate Meets Strawberry says
Picking wild garlic in the woods sounds like a magical experience, Adina!! It sounds like you have made so many delicious things with your pickings. This spread looks delicious, and so very healthy too ๐ It's a shame you can't get wild garlic here in Australia, but at least I can admire from afar thanks to your photos!!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Oh how I wish I had some wild garlic! This looks so amazing! I would definitely be putting this spread on everything - crackers, sandwiches, burgers, all of it!
Anca says
It looks amazing. I would like to pick wild garlic, but I'm not sure I would be able to identify it correctly.
ps. I've sent you an email. I'm not sure you received it. x
Adina says
Multumesc, Anca. Am primit email-ul, tocmai ti-am scris inapoi. ๐ It's tricky with picking the wild garlic, I think it best to do it with somebody who really knows it well the first time you do it. After that, you will be able to recognize it yourself easily.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Can I please have that pita sandwich? I wish I knew where to pick up wild garlic...love the stuff!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
This looks just plain springtime beautiful, and I can only imagine the amazing flavor - definitely going to have to make it to have the full experience!
Marvellina @ What To Cook Today says
Wow..I wish I can go garlic picking !! Gorgeous spread you've created with them !!!
Denise Browning says
Love the vivid color... as well as how easy is to put this together for a party or sports game.