10 Reasons to Pair Wine With Garlic

Ten years ago this month, we featured a recipe that is sure to appeal to anyone who lovesgarlic garlic.

Back then, I simply enjoyed the flavor of garlic and how it elevated so many types of food that I love — everything from bruschetta to osso bucco.

But as I’ve since learned, eating garlic also is good for one’s health. As noted in the Healthline newsletter…

  1. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has potent medicinal properties.
  2. Garlic is highly nutritious, but has very few calories.
  3. Garlic can combat sickness, including the common cold.
  4. The active compounds in garlic can reduce high blood pressure.
  5. Garlic improves cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
  6. Garlic contains antioxidants that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
  7. Garlic may help you live longer.
  8. Athletic performance can be improved with garlic supplementation.
  9. Eating garlic can help detoxify heavy metals in the body.
  10. Garlic may improve bone health.

Enjoy this easy-to-prepare dish with any wine you enjoy with garlic-flavored food. My personal choices would be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or, when I feel like drinking a red, Sangiovese.

SPAGHETTINI AGLIO OLIO

Ingredients

* 1-lb. spaghettini

* 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

* 10 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced

* 1/2-cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

* 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preparation

  1. Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in an 8-quart pot over high heat. Stir the spaghettini into the boiling water. Cook the pasta, semi-covered, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, shaking the skillet and stirring, until pale golden. Remove from the heat and add crushed pepper.
  3. Ladle about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water into the sauce. Add the parsley, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt to taste.
  4. Drain pasta, return it to the pot and pour in the sauce. Cook until pasta is coated with the sauce and done. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

 

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Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes, Wine and Health
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