Mincing garlic can sometimes freak you out, right? The odor from hands when you peel and chop it every time…uhh. Don’t worry I will share some tips to solve your this problem too. For now, I have this step-by-step procedure. And, source of this helpful trick is my grandma. Mincing garlic is a simple process. It involves finely chopping the garlic cloves into small, uniform pieces. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mince garlic:
- Separate the cloves: Start by separating the individual cloves from the garlic bulb. Use your hands or a knife to break them apart.
- Remove the skin: Place a garlic clove on a cutting board and gently press it with the flat side of a wide knife or the heel of your hand. This will loosen the skin, making it easier to remove. Peel off the skin and discard it. Repeat this process for all the cloves you plan to mince.
- Crush the garlic: Once the cloves are peeled, you have a couple of options for crushing the garlic. You can use a garlic press, which is a kitchen tool specifically designed for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use the side of a chef’s knife to crush the clove. Place the flat side of the knife blade on top of the garlic clove and press down firmly with your hand or the heel of your hand. This will break the clove and release its oils and flavors.
- Chop the garlic: After crushing the garlic, gather the pieces together on the cutting board. Hold the tip of the knife with one hand and place your other hand on top of the blade to stabilize it. Begin chopping the garlic into small, fine pieces. Start by rocking the knife back and forth over the garlic, using a pivot point near the tip of the blade. Gradually move the knife back and forth to ensure all the garlic is chopped evenly. Continue chopping until the garlic reaches the desired consistency.
- Salt technique (Optional): If you want to further refine the minced garlic and make it more paste-like, you can sprinkle a small amount of coarse salt over the chopped garlic. Use the flat side of the knife or a fork to press and scrape the garlic and salt together. The salt helps to create a smooth garlic paste.
- Use or store the minced garlic: Once the garlic is minced to your liking, you can use it immediately in your recipe or transfer it to an airtight container for later use. It’s best to use the minced garlic within a few days for optimal flavor.
Ta daa..! Now you know how to mince garlic. Enjoy adding this aromatic ingredient into your cooking!