Garlic is an essential ingredient in cooking and is also beneficial for health, thanks to its high content of vitamins and minerals, allicin, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Here are five different ways to use garlic in cooking: roasted garlic for adding to pasta sauces or spreading on bread, garlic butter for steaks and vegetables, garlic oil for drizzling on salads or cooking, garlic paste for curries and salad dressings, and garlic soup for chilly nights. Each preparation has its unique nutritional value, making it a versatile ingredient that should be present in every kitchen.
It’s hard to imagine cooking without the wonder-ingredient that is garlic. Not only does it add an aromatic flavor to dishes, but it also boasts a range of health benefits. Here are 5 different ways to use garlic in your cooking, along with the nutritional value of each preparation.
## 1. Roasted Garlic
Roasting garlic brings out its deep, rich flavor and mellows its sharp bite. Roasted garlic is perfect for spreading on bread, adding to dips, or incorporating into pasta sauces. To roast garlic, cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until it is tender and caramelized.
Nutritional Value: Garlic is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B6, manganese, and selenium. It also contains allicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
## 2. Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is a great way to add flavor to steak, seafood, and vegetables. Simply mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and any herbs you like. Garlic butter can be stored in the fridge and used to add flavor to any dish.
Nutritional Value: Garlic butter is high in fat, but the garlic adds a range of vitamins and minerals. Choose grass-fed butter for added omega-3 fatty acids.
## 3. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is a staple in many cuisines, from Italian to Chinese. It’s easy to make at home by infusing olive oil with garlic. Simply heat olive oil in a saucepan with sliced garlic until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the garlic and use the oil to drizzle on salads or use in cooking.
Nutritional Value: Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E, and the addition of garlic adds anti-inflammatory properties.
## 4. Garlic Paste
Garlic paste is a popular ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It can be made by grinding garlic cloves in a food processor with salt and oil until it forms a smooth paste. Garlic paste can be added to curries, marinades, and salad dressings.
Nutritional Value: Garlic paste has all the nutritional benefits of fresh garlic, with the added benefit of healthy oils.
## 5. Garlic Soup
Garlic soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights. Start by cooking garlic and onion in olive oil until they are softened. Add chicken or vegetable broth and simmer until the garlic is tender. Blend the soup until smooth and serve with crusty bread.
Nutritional Value: Garlic soup is rich in vitamin C, B6, and immune-boosting compounds. The addition of healthy fats in the form of olive oil promotes satiety and helps the body absorb vitamins.
Garlic is an ingredient that should be present in every kitchen. Whether you’re incorporating it into garlic butter or making a comforting garlic soup, the health benefits and flavor of this ingredient cannot be ignored. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the different ways of using garlic in your cooking to enjoy varied and rich flavors.