topic Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ... in Kitchen

GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Flatbush — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 07:09:31 GMT

I see many cooking programs on TV. I am always seeing different ways of using garlic. Some say to get the most flavor from it....mince, slice, smash.

I am beginning to wonder if it matters at all.

I use a lot of it, but rarely notice if it is more "garlicy"one way or other.

What do you think, does it matter?

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Desertdi — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 07:14:20 GMT

I mince...because I don't like to see large pieces in my finished recipé

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

ID2 — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:03:31 GMT

I use garlic in everything! I buy the huge jjar of minced garlic at Costco. Mmm I love the garlic juice too!

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

ciao_bella — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:14:32 GMT

@Flatbush Unless a recipe specifically calls for garlic cut a certain way, I generally either mince it or grate it using a small microplane that I use for zesting or grating cheese.

I also have jar garlic in the fridge that I use if I'm out of fresh garlic or I'm too lazy to peel fresh.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

jlkz — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:14:30 GMT

@Flatbush

Totally agree with you about not seeing / biting into pieces of garlic !

When I make my huge batches of marinara sauce, I even liquefy the minced ( jarred ) garlic in a little Cuisinart ! This means that when I am cooking it with a very little oil, I need to keep stirring it so it doesn't stick or burn.

I think it makes the final sauce " smooth ". Nothing but compliments all around and one soul wanted to watch the next time I made it.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

amyb — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:56:58 GMT

Some recipes I put the whole garlic clove in (pasta ******iole, because that's what my mom did, and later it tastes good to eat it after the broth soaks into it and makes it tender.) *update...wow...QVC "edited" my "fazool"...jeez. whatever. Did you think I was swearing to you in Italian?

Some recipes I slice it...broccoli rabe and beans, pasta dishes in garlic and olive oil.

And some I mince small...soups, stews.

Sometimes I've smashed...they say it releases the flavor...it does seem like it does that when you smash it. You can smash then mince...I just think it lets some of the juice release. It's noticeable when I'm prepping, but it's likely hardly noticeable in the cooked dish.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Imaoldhippie — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:00:39 GMT

I used jarred minced garlic from the grocery. I dont notice a difference in taste. Why anyone would buy, store, peel and bust garlic cloves is beyond me. But to each their own.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Ainhisg — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:05:40 GMT

@Imaoldhippie I agree. I got into a phase where I was buying fresh garlic and using it in my recipes after hearing and seeing so many professional cooks use it. I could tell no difference in the taste of my recipes using jarred vs. freshly minced.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Boehm Collector — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 14:04:24 GMT

It depends on what I am making with the garlic.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Sooner — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 14:14:38 GMT

We used to use lots of it, but now hardly ever do. We don't like the smell to linger in the house or on us. I think my garlic days are pretty much over.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

wagirl — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 14:21:19 GMT

I use jarred garlic----no difference in taste and have NEVER been asked how I prepared the garlic---so much easier too. I do like to roast whole garlic heads tho.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

loriqvc — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:21:01 GMT

You can obviously alter a recipe based on your preferences for garlic flavor, size, or texture (or amount of time you want to spend handling the garlic) but typically, there's a reason a specific preparation is indicated. The more you process garlic, the stronger the flavor it produces. So if you just smash a clove and add it to your dish, it will have less garlic flavor than if you add the same amount of finely minced garlic. The size/style of garlic added to a dish also matters if you're sauteeing, since minced or very thinly sliced garlic can burn quite quickly (and overcooked garlic is extremely bitter).

A tip I recently learned from America's Test Kitchen is that if you really want a strong garlic flavor, mince the garlic or mash it into a paste and let it sit for a bit before adding it; this allows the greatest breakdown of the flavor components, so they will be extra powerful in the final dish.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

loriqvc — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:21:37 GMT

@amyb - I think your post got edited because you likely typed the dish name with the sequenced letters of f...a...g...; the nanny filter is not smart enough to figure out you're not using a derogatory term.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

amyb — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:44:29 GMT

@loriqvc wrote:
@amyb - I think your post got edited because you likely typed the dish name with the sequenced letters of f...a...g...; the nanny filter is not smart enough to figure out you're not using a derogatory term.

Oh wow, lol...you are probably right. 🤦‍♀️Tks for explaining.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Still Raining — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:47:19 GMT

Usually I grate it on the very, very fine grater I also use for onions. Sort of turns it into a mush, which is my goal.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Flatbush — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:06:19 GMT

@amyb

Oh, I had to smile at the stars in your post.I guess no one knew what it was. I knew ASAP what had happened..lol

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

Flatbush — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 17:13:58 GMT

@loriqvc

Interesting. I never though about letting the minced garlic sit and stew before using. Have to try it. Yes, minced garlic is easily burned and has to be carefully watched.

I use lots of fresh garlic and can easily slip off the coverings. I just slice off the hard end and pop it into the microwave for a few seconds. The covering slips off in a second.So easy.

Thanks for the sitting tip.

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mrshckynut — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:02:32 GMT

i prefer to mince

mrshckynut

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ECBG — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 20:40:03 GMT

I have a garlic press, but if I stir garlic into something, I mash.

Re: GARLIC.....CHOP? SLICE? OR ...

RedTop — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 21:24:31 GMT

I order the large plastic containers of minced garlic from Sams Club; minimum order of 2. We use 2 containers in a years time.