Garlic is perhaps among the most used ingredients in the kitchen. In fact, it is so popular that you may actually see it in almost every kitchen. Garlic is a great ingredient to spice up a dish. Just by sautéing garlic before cooking your meats will give that wonderful flavor, aroma, and taste. A kitchen or a dish will never be the same without garlic. That’s why here you will learn 7 tips on how to cook garlic and also general tips about it.
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Sometimes, when we buy garlic at the grocery stores, we don’t take the time to really look at the garlic we buy. Make sure that when you grab one in the supermarket, look for the bulbs that have firm and plump cloves. The outer paper-like sheath should be intact. Soft, spongy, or shriveled garlic won’t last long.
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As soon as you get home from grocery-shopping, remember to keep your garlic bulbs in a cool and dry place. Do not refrigerate your garlic! At the same time, don’t store in the plastic bag. Remove it from the plastic bag and keep it on your shelves. It needs air circulation so don’t cover it. Placing it on a small fruit basket would be the best.
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When separating the cloves from the bulb, simply place your bulb on a solid surface such as your counter top and press firmly with your hands. You will hear a crack as the cloves start to separate.
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If you need to peel your garlic cloves, the best way to do it easily is to drop your cloves in a pan of boiling water. Let it sit for about 20 seconds. This method is also known as blanching. After you blanch your garlic cloves, drain them. Then, add iced water to refresh the garlic cloves. This method is known as refreshing. Drain garlic cloves right away and the skins should easily slip off.
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If you need to peel only a small amount, just use a large knife and place the blade on the top. Smack the blade and the peel should be removed easily having crushed a little bit of the clove.
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When using garlic in your dishes, the smaller the garlic you use the stronger the flavor you’ll get. So if you want to induce your dish with a stronger garlic flavor, use small garlic pieces. If you want a mild flavor with less garlic smell, use whole garlic with unbroken garlic cloves. Leave the skin on too. It will even give you a sweet garlicky taste. If you want it stronger, slice your garlic thinly. But if you want the fullest flavor, chop your garlic or mince it.
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Remember, the longer you cook the garlic, the less harsh it becomes. The flavor will soften as it cooks. When sautéing, make sure not to burn it otherwise it will have a bitter taste to it.
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