Hearty Herb Marinade

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE, CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD, & GRILLED DISHES

This is about as close as we get to the idea of bottled Italian salad dressing, the well-known secret behind a lot of prize-winning barbecue. This marinade is seasoned with red meat in mind, and is enough to soak a tenderloin for four diners, or perhaps a pair of flat-iron steaks. Roasting the garlic mellows the flavor, making it the perfect natural thickener to ensure the marinade will cling to the meat.

The Hearty Herb Marinade is a robust and flavorful mixture that takes your meats, especially beef, to a whole new level of deliciousness. With its combination of aromatic herbs, roasted garlic, and tangy red wine vinegar, this marinade adds a depth of flavor that’s both bold and comforting.

The star ingredient of this marinade is the roasted garlic, which brings a mellow and slightly sweet undertone to the mixture. The blend of dried rosemary and oregano contributes a rich herbal essence that complements the savory notes of the garlic. The addition of red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the meat.

Creating this marinade is a straightforward process. Roasting the garlic is the initial step, infusing it with a mellowness that contrasts nicely with the bright flavors of the herbs and vinegar. After pureeing the roasted garlic with the other ingredients, you’re left with a marinade that’s both smooth and textured, making it perfect for coating your meats.

The Hearty Herb Marinade is versatile and can be used on various cuts of beef, whether you’re grilling, roasting, or barbecuing. Its balanced blend of flavors works harmoniously to create a well-rounded taste that enhances the natural richness of the meat. By marinating your beef with this mixture, you’re not only infusing it with flavors but also ensuring a tender and juicy result.

Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, the Hearty Herb Marinade is an excellent choice to transform your beef into a hearty and delectable dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

MAKES: ABOUT 1½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• • 1 large garlic head
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Roast the Garlic: Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast until the individual garlic cloves are soft, which usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
   3. Cool and Peel: Once roasted, remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, gently pop each garlic clove out of its skin.
   4. Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the roasted garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, water, dried rosemary, dried oregano, kosher salt, and granulated sugar.
   5. Puree: Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth and well-combined marinade. This marinade will have a rich and aromatic flavor profile.
   6. Use or Store: You can use the marinade right away for your meat, or you can store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
   7. Marinate the Beef: Pour the prepared marinade over your beef, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can marinate the beef for as little as 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The shorter time is suitable for grilling, while the longer time is ideal for barbecuing.