Garlic (Grade "A") Overview
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a widely cherished bulb with an intense aroma and a pungent taste. It’s used worldwide as a flavorful ingredient and has been valued for centuries in cooking and medicine. Its sulfur compounds, primarily allicin, contribute to its unique flavor and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Garlic
- Heart Health: May reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall risk of heart disease.
- Immune Booster: Contains antioxidants that support immune function.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Alleviates inflammation in the body, potentially aiding in arthritis and joint pain relief.
- Antimicrobial: Known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
- Rich in Nutrients: Provides vitamins B6, C, manganese, and selenium, which support overall health.
How to Eat Garlic
- Raw: Finely minced or crushed and added to salads or dressings.
- Cooked: Used in sautés, roasted, or as a base for sauces and soups.
- Infused Oil: Garlic oil can be used for cooking or as a salad dressing ingredient.
- Pickled: Preserved garlic cloves offer a milder, tangy flavor and make a great addition to dishes.
Nutritional Value (per 100 grams of raw garlic)
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Protein: 6.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Vitamin C: 31% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6: 17% of the DV
- Manganese: 23% of the DV
Taste Profile
Garlic has a sharp, pungent flavor when raw, which mellows and becomes sweeter as it cooks. Roasting garlic brings out a caramelized, nutty taste.
Full Detailed Recipe: Roasted Garlic
Ingredients:
- Garlic Bulbs: 2 whole, Grade "A"
- Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of each garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast: Wrap in foil, bake for 35-40 minutes, or until soft and golden.
- Serve: Squeeze cloves from skins and spread on toast or use in recipes.
Indian Recipes with Garlic
1. Garlic Chutney
Ingredients:
- Garlic Cloves: 12-15, peeled
- Red Chilies: 5-6
- Coconut: 1/4 cup, grated
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Grind all ingredients to a smooth paste. Serve with dosa or idli.
2. Lasooni Dal Tadka
Ingredients:
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Cooked Lentils: 2 cups
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Cumin Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Heat ghee, add cumin and garlic until golden, then mix with dal.
3. Garlic Pickle
Ingredients:
- Garlic Cloves: 1 cup
- Mustard Oil: 1/2 cup
- Spices (Fenugreek, Mustard): 1 teaspoon each
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in oil, add spices, and bottle it for a few days to ferment.
4. Butter Garlic Naan
Ingredients:
- Flour: 2 cups
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Knead dough with garlic, roll out, and cook on a tawa.
5. Garlic Rasam
Ingredients:
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, crushed
- Tamarind Pulp: 2 tablespoons
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Boil tamarind, add garlic and spices, and simmer.
Non-Indian Recipes with Garlic
1. Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- Baguette: 1 loaf
- Garlic: 1/4 cup, minced
- Butter: 1/4 cup
Instructions:
- Mix garlic and butter, spread on bread, and bake.
2. Garlic Lemon Shrimp
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1/2 kg
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic, add shrimp, and cook with lemon juice.
3. Roasted Garlic Soup
Ingredients:
- Garlic: 2 bulbs, roasted
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Cream: 1/2 cup
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, add roasted garlic and broth, and blend.
4. Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon, chopped
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients and refrigerate.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 4, boiled
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Mash potatoes, add garlic and butter, and mix.
Conclusion
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking for a flavorful, health-boosting addition to meals!