Preparing garlic involves peeling and then slicing, mincing, or crushing it, depending on your recipe's needs. Here's a breakdown of how to prep garlic:
1. Separating the Cloves:
- Start by separating the desired number of cloves from the garlic bulb.
2. Peeling the Cloves:
There are several methods for peeling garlic:
- Smashing Method: Place a clove on a cutting board. Lay the flat side of a chef's knife over the clove. With your palm, firmly press down on the knife to smash the clove. The skin should loosen, making it easy to peel off.
- Shaking Method (for multiple cloves): Place several unpeeled cloves in a metal bowl or container with a lid. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. The skins should loosen significantly.
- Knife Tip Method: Use the tip of a paring knife to pierce the clove near the root end and peel off the skin.
- Microwave Method: Microwave a bulb of garlic for 15-20 seconds. This loosens the skin and makes it easy to peel. Be careful, it will be hot!
3. Cutting the Garlic:
The cutting method depends on the recipe:
- Slicing: After peeling, lay the clove on its side and use a rocking motion with your knife to create thin slices. Keep your fingers tucked away.
- Mincing: After peeling, slice the clove. Then, finely chop the slices into very small pieces. You can also add a little salt to the garlic as you mince it; this helps to break it down further and prevents it from sticking to the knife.
- Crushing: After peeling, place the clove on a cutting board. Lay the flat side of a chef's knife over the clove. With your palm, firmly press down on the knife to crush the clove. Alternatively, use a garlic press.
No matter which method you choose, preparing garlic is quick and easy with the right technique.
