The culinary ingredient garlic is an essential part of most culinary preparations. It is a member of the onion, shallot, and leek family and has an intense, unique flavor and aroma. Many countries use garlic in their cuisines, although most garlic sold in the United States is imported from China. It is used both in raw and cooked recipes.
Garlic: Is It a Condiment or an Herb?
Garlic grows underground as a bulb with long green shoots that yield edible flower stalks. The bulb is covered with papery skin. Individual sections of garlic are called cloves, and each clove contains one or more garlic compounds called allicins. Typically, garlic has ten to twenty cloves in its head. When preparing garlic for cooking, the skin needs to be removed, exposing a pale yellowish flesh. These cloves can then be minced or sliced into smaller pieces.
Despite the pungent smell and flavor, garlic is a vegetable, not an herb. Garlic is a member of the lily family and contains sulfur-based enzymes stored in its tiny cells. When sliced, the cells rupture, releasing a pungent chemical into the air. While onions contain airborne sulfur-based enzymes, the garlic compound is only transferred from direct contact. Therefore, garlic does not irritate your eyes when sliced, unlike onions.
Olive Oil Vs. Garlic: Which Is The Condiment?
Olive oil and garlic are a pair of condiments that can be used interchangeably and enhance the flavor of any dish. Olive oil can be used in salads, soups, and pasta dishes, and garlic-infused oil is a tasty alternative to butter.
Virgin olive oil has a higher antioxidant and flavor content, while refined oil is more stable on the shelf. A good compromise is pure olive oil, which is excellent for salads and dressings and can be used for most types of cooking. While refined oils are cheaper, their quality varies widely from brand to brand.
Olive oil infused with garlic can be used for cooking roasted meats and vegetables. It adds a subtle nutty flavor to dishes and enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors. It is also great for marinades. Mix and match different vinegar and garlic-infused olive oil to achieve a savory marinade.
How to Add Garlic to Mashed Potatoes
You can add garlic to your mashed potatoes in a few different ways. Instead of heavy cream, you can use half or vegetable stock. If you’re not a fan of dairy, you can also use vegan butter and plain non-dairy milk. Adding a little garlic to your mashed potatoes is a simple and delicious way to add flavor.
You can also add roasted garlic. It will give the potatoes the most delicious flavor. One of the best ways to add garlic to mashed potatoes is roasted garlic. It provides a creamy consistency and adds the most flavor. This garlicky potato dish is a perfect side dish for salmon and vegetables. It will make you feel cozy and satisfied.
Garlic mashed potatoes are straightforward to make and are so versatile. The first step is to cut your potatoes into quarters. Once you’ve done this, you should place them in a large pot. Cover with water about an inch above the potatoes. Once they’re cooked, you can add a little butter and stir to combine the flavors. You can then add chives and a bit of sour cream.
How to Make Garlic Sauce
If you’re looking for a quick way to add garlic flavor to your dishes, try making a garlic sauce. The sauce is delicious and goes with many foods. It’s also healthy, thanks to allicin, the compound responsible for the garlic’s distinct taste. Crushing the garlic before using it will stimulate the production of this compound. However, it’s important to remember that cooking garlic will destroy some of its medicinal benefits, so make sure to buy it fresh.
You’ll need a small saucepan and a large, flat knife to make garlic sauce. First, heat the butter in the pan, making sure not to let it burn or smoke. Moreover, avoid boiling the butter, as this will cause the fat to break down, affecting the flavor of the finished sauce. Once the butter has melted, crush the garlic clove using the flat end of a large kitchen knife.
You can also use a food processor to make the garlic sauce. A processor is best, as it helps you incorporate garlic pieces faster. You can also use a mortar and pestle to pulp the garlic. However, this method requires a lot of effort.
Are You Using Garlic Flavor the Right Way?
Garlic is a powerful spice that adds wonderful flavor and nutritional value to foods. It comes from the allium family, and its aromatic chemical compounds attack the taste buds and olfactory receptors to make food taste better. It is also an incredibly versatile spice, pairing well with most other spices and herbs. It can be combined with anything from green vegetables to spicy and acidic foods. For the most effective results, learn how to cook garlic properly.
Garlic’s distinctive pungency comes from a compound called allicin, produced by an enzyme called alliinase when the garlic’s cell walls rupture. Cooking garlic at high temperatures destroys allicin, a key component of garlic flavor.
Garlic Powder: Is It A Condiment?
Garlic powder is an ingredient that can significantly enhance the flavor of your food. It is made from dehydrated garlic cloves and is used extensively in Asian and Chinese cuisine. The garlic powder dehydrates the cloves and grinds them into a fine powder. In addition, garlic powder is often found in spice mixes and seasoned salts.
Garlic powder is available in two forms – fine powder and granulated. The fine powder contains smaller pieces that clump together, while granulated garlic is made from more significant amounts. Carla Ross prefers granulated garlic to add umami flavor to the steak. You can also make garlic powder using a dehydrator, mortar, and pestle.
Garlic powder is versatile and can be used in any garlic recipe. It can also be used in marinades, sauces, and stews. It can also be added to uncooked foods. It is particularly beneficial when cooking ground beef or other meats with tomato sauce.
How to Make Garlic Oil
Garlic oil has many uses and is an excellent addition to many dishes. It can be used to season vegetables, salad dressings, and even crusty baguettes. It also has many health benefits. Infusing it with herbs will add additional flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, garlic oil has health benefits.
Garlic oil can be stored for up to 2 weeks. Once you make it, store it in the fridge and use it as needed. You can also keep it in an airtight container and use it within a few days. A glass container will preserve the garlic oil well and will not absorb the odor much. It is also safe to use plastic containers, although glass is preferred as it won’t absorb the garlic smell.
After cooking the garlic, it’s best to strain it through a sieve or colander. If you don’t have one, use a small glass jar. Once the garlic is excellent, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to use it within a couple of days, though.
References:
https://www.saveur.com/gallery/garlic-condiments/
