How to Mince Garlic

By Ashley Jean April 24, 2023 28 mins read 455 Views

How to easily mince garlic! You don't even need to use a special tool. You can use your chef's blade! You can easily peel and mince the garlic with a few simple techniques.

Photo credits: Andrea Gralow

The minced garlic is a key ingredient in many of my recipes. From Easy Homemade Hummus, to Greek-Style Eggplant. It is a real workhorse and one of my favorite flavor makers in the kitchen.

It may seem tedious to peel and mince garlic, especially if you can buy it already pre-minced at the store. It's actually very easy to do with some simple tricks. While the jars are convenient, the flavor of freshly minced cloves is worth the extra time.

This guide will show you how to peel, chop and store your garlic.

Table of Contents

How to Peel Garlic
How to Mince Garlic
How to store minced garlic
What is the difference between crushed, sliced, grate, and minced garlic?
Additional Tips for Cutting Garlic
Garlic Lovers Recipes
How to Mince Garlic?

How to Peel Garlic

Smash technique is the fastest, easiest and best way to peel garlic. The smash technique is sometimes called "hulk Smash!" to peel garlic.

Separate cloves: Place a head on a hard surface such as a counter or cutting board. Press down with your palm on the top of the head until it separates into individual cloves.
Grab the cloves that you intend to use. Store the rest of the cloves in a cool, dry place away from the sun. The blade of your knife should be facing away from your hand. Set one side of the knife against a clove. Press firmly on the flat edge of the knife with the palm of the dominant hand. It's okay to use a little force! This will remove the papery covering from the garlic.
Peel : Use your hands to remove the outer papery covering of the garlic. Repeat the process with all of the remaining cloves.

How To Mince Garlic

A sharp chef's blade is the first thing you need to learn how to mince your garlic. Sharp knives can make you cook faster. Sharp knives are safer because they're less likely to cause you to slip.

Prepare yourself: Line up your peeled cloves of garlic and switch to your dominant side. Cut off any ends that appear to be dry and throw them away.
Fan: Place the knife's top on the cutting board. To steady the knife, place your non-dominant arm on top. By fanning the knife in a rocking movement, begin chopping garlic. While you fan, keep the blade tip in contact with your board. Continue until you get tiny pieces of garlic minced.

How to store minced garlic

The taste of the minced garlic will improve over time. However, a jar can be a great way to get ahead during the week. It's also cheaper and fresher than pre-minced garlic you can purchase in the supermarket.

To store minced Garlic, transfer the garlic to an airtight container. You can use a Mason jar or Tupperware container. Use a plastic bag and press out the air before sealing. Refrigerate up to a week.

Garlic can be frozen for up to 6 months. You can use frozen garlic in dishes that include garlic, but only if the garlic has been cooked. The texture and taste will differ from fresh garlic.

Difference between minced, crushed, grated, chopped and sliced garlic

Garlic preparation has a subtle effect on the taste of a dish. Garlic is garlic, at the end of it all! Do what is right for you, based on your preferences and time constraints.

Minced Garlic is simply finely chopped garlic. This is what I use the most because it has a strong flavor without being too overwhelming. You won't have to chew on garlic pieces. I use minced cloves of garlic in a variety of sauces and salad dressings, such as Apple Cider Vinaigrette or Ladolemono Greek Saladdressing.
Crushed Garlicis ideal for adding a mild garlic flavor without texture to dishes like Mediterranean-style Oven Baked Salmon. Crushed garlic is also great for marinades, dishes that require longer cooking times or are generally milder. For added nuance in recipes such as our Homemade Chicken Stock, you can crush the garlic while leaving the skin on.
Grated Garlicis an easy and quick way to make garlic paste. I usually use minced garlic. Grated garlic can be used in recipes where the raw garlic is not cooked, such as the yogurt with garlic in Turkish Poached Eggs, or in this simple recipe for aioli. When heated, grated garlic can burn. It's better to use minced garlic for cooking recipes.
Garlic chopped. Garlic in larger pieces has a rustic texture that gives a home-cooked feel. It's great for soups like Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Sliced Garlic is not a sneaky garlic! It actually wants to be noticed and credited for its work. Use it for dishes like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, where garlic is the main ingredient.
We've got you covered if you want to learn more about roasting the garlic. Learn more about this technique by reading our article How to Roast Garlic.

Tips on how to mince garlic

You may decide to improve your knife skills once you've mastered the technique. Here are some additional tips and tricks on how to mince the garlic.

Remove the germ. Use the tip of the knife to remove a green sprout that is in the middle of the garlic clove. The germ may be bitter or have an unpleasant flavor.
Drag the knife. Then, fan the blade a little bit by running it backwards and forwards with your non dominant hand. When the garlic begins to accumulate on the knife's edges, drag the blade along the surface. You will have a uniform layer of minced garlic. Continue mincing and dragging it until you get a paste. This works well in creamy recipes, like aioli. You want to keep the texture as minimal as possible.
Use gravity. It's a bit more cheffy, but it works! Let go of the non-dominant arm once you have dragged your knife across the cutting board in order to create one layer of the garlic. Let your wrists go semi-slack while holding the knife with your dominant hand. Use gravity and your knife to finish chopping garlic. It will be noisy! It's fast and easy because the garlic won't stick to the knife.

Garlic Recipes

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Garlic Parmesan white beans recipe in 15 minutes
Easy Hummus Recipe: Authentic and Homemade
Quick Roasted Tomatoes With Garlic And Thyme

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How to Mince Garlic

How to easily mince garlic! You can easily peel and mince the garlic with a few simple techniques.

Preparation Time two minute

Total time two minute

Calories 41,7 Kcal

Suzy Kardsheh Author

Ingredients

1 head garlic

Instructions

Separate the cloves by placing a head on a hard surface such as your counter or chopping board. Press down with your palm on the top of the head until the cloves are separated.
Grab the cloves that you will be using. Store the cloves remaining at room temperature, away from the sun. The blade of your knife should be facing away from your hand. Set your knife's back against one clove. Use your dominant hand's palm to tap the flat side on the knife. Use force! Use some force!
Peel the outer papery covering with your hands. Repeat the process with all remaining cloves of garlic.
Prepare: Arrange your garlic cloves in a line and switch your knife to the dominant hand. Remove any ends that appear to be dry.
Do the fan: Place the top of the knife on the cutting board. To steady the knife, place your non-dominant arm on top. By fanning the knife in a rocking movement, begin chopping garlic. While you fan, keep the blade tip in contact with your board. Continue until you get tiny pieces of garlic minced.
Store minced garlic in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up 6 months. It should be transferred to an airtight container. You can use a Mason jar or Tupperware container. Press out the air in a bag before sealing.

Notes

Use the tip of the knife to remove a green sprout that is in the middle of the garlic clove. The germ may be bitter.
Browse our store to find quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 9.3g

The Mediterranean Dish first published the post How to Mince Garlic.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: How to Mince Garlic
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/how-to-mince-garlic/
Published Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients in a Mediterranean diet

Mediterranean food includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil and olives. Eating fresh ingredients over pre-packaged processed food items is encouraged whenever possible. It is better to use herbs than salt to spice up meals. Physical activity should also be included in daily routine to reap the full benefits of this diet. It can make the diet more enjoyable by encouraging mindful eating with your family and friends, as well as sharing delicious food with them.

Is Banana permissible in the Mediterranean diet

Yes, bananas are allowed in the Mediterranean diet. Bananas provide healthy and low-calorie nutrition. They are rich in vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber. You can add sliced or mashed bananas as a side dish to your favorite meals, such as porridges, smoothies or salads. It could also be enjoyed as a snack with nut butter such as almond or peanut for added proteins. If you are following the Mediterranean Diet, it might be beneficial to pair bananas and healthy fats like seeds and nuts to increase digestion and promote satisfaction when eating meals.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast like?

A Mediterranean breakfast can include a mix protein, healthy and carbohydrate. The options include eggs in olive oil and roasted vegetables with a side salad, Greek yogurt with cheese, whole-grain Toast, or Quinoa porridge topped off with fresh fruits. Avocado toast with tomatoes, feta cheese and honey is a great option for breakfast. Your day can begin with Mediterranean flavors, such as wild-caught salmon, grass-fed meats and organic eggs. You can choose whole grains such as quinoa or oats as nutritious carbohydrates; you can limit sugar intake by choosing fresh fruits over sweetened yogurts and cereals; you can add healthy fats such as avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and olives to your meal; and, for additional antioxidants, green tea.

Rice in the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet allows rice and encourages it. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes healthy fats such olive oil, nuts, dairy products, fish, meat, poultry, and moderate amounts of dairy products. Whole-grain rice is an excellent carbohydrate source that provides energy to the body. You can also get a lot of dietary fiber, which can help you digest and provide important nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium. It is possible to add rice to your dishes by cooking it in soups, salads, and stews. If you eat rice-based dishes, it's a good idea to limit added fat.

Is the Mediterranean diet costly to follow?

The Mediterranean diet is typically inexpensive and has easily available ingredients. Many staple foods can easily be found at your local farmer's market or grocery store. It can be costly to buy organic products, higher-quality proteins, and special items such as extra Virgin Olive Oil. Plan your meals and budget accordingly. You can also save money by using leftovers and bulk freezing food items such as fish and grains.

Statistics

One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)

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How To

How to live a Mediterranean lifestyle for a healthier life

The Mediterranean Diet is a eating plan that takes inspiration from the traditional Mediterranean cuisines. It emphasizes healthy fats. Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and veggies. The diet also includes moderate intakes of eggs, white meat, milk products, and red wines. Regular consumption of plant-based foods like legumes and nuts is a hallmark of this diet. These foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory properties these foods possess are well known for their heart health benefits.

The Mediterranean diet offers many health benefits. You can live longer, have better quality lives, lower blood sugar levels, better control of glucose, reduced risk of depression, improved cognitive function, and lower risk for some types (e.g. colon) cancer than other diets. Evidence suggests that there may be beneficial effects on weight control and prevention of cardiovascular disease. It promotes healthy eating habits that involve socializing around meals and reducing food cravings throughout the day. Finally, including lots of averagely vigorous physical activity throughout your day, such as walking or biking to work and taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can further increase the health benefits of this lifestyle.

Start a Mediterranean diet by eating more vegetables and fruits for snacks, meals, and sides. Instead of eating refined grains, choose whole-grain options such as brown rice, quinoa and oats. You can get more protein from fish, beans, or nuts. Olive oil is a good choice for cooking. Spices and herbs can be used to season foods instead of salt. Reduce your intake of dairy products like yogurt and cheese. And finally, enjoy a glass of red wine on occasion to complete the Mediterranean diet experience!

It takes effort and time to make changes to your daily meals. Still, several tips can simplify transitioning into a healthier lifestyle using this type of diet: Firstly, start swapping high-calorie snacks such as chips for nutrient-dense vegetables even if you consume them as appetizers before meals or during exchanges between traditional courses. Learn how to make your diet more varied. This will give you the opportunity to experiment with different spices, fruits, and veggies, so that you don't become bored by the same food. Last but not least: Ensure that you include grains, legumes and high fiber items to enhance your appetite after meals.

Mediterranean cuisine encourages you enjoy food and to cook with a healthy approach. By making small changes, you can increase your intake of whole foods as well as plant-based ingredients to create a balanced diet. This dietary pattern can have potential health advantages, such as a longer lifetime and an improved quality of lifestyle.