6 Secrets to cooking with Garlic + 10 Garlicky Recipes

Garlic needs no introduction, and is often the easiest way to alleviate almost any dish. But if you want to take your garlic game a notch higher, this article is for you! Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about garlic - benefits, top tips, and my favourite garlicky recipes! 

If you’ve been here long enough, you’d know that my love for garlic is no secret and IMO, there’s no other ingredient that’s as versatile and delicious as our humble garlic! Whether you are making something fancy or simple, adding garlic is a sure shot way to take the things a notch higher in the flavour department. Plus, when it comes to garlic, my rule usually is the more the better! 

6 secrets to cooking with garlic that’ll turn you into a pro

1. In order to prevent your garlic from burning, add another ingredient such as onions, mushrooms or bell peppers before adding garlic. Simply sauteing the preceding ingredient briefly creates a nice buffer for the garlic, and prevents it from burning.
2. Even though sprouted garlic is perfectly safe to eat, I wouldn’t recommend buying it. That’s because garlic that has started to sprout has a more pungent flavour and isn’t as sweet, which can sometimes taste weird when added to a dish. 
3. Garlic should always be cut according to desired flavour and the dish you’ll be adding it to. Add finely chopped garlic to curries, gravies, and sauces. Minced garlic tastes best when added to dips or salad dressings, while sliced garlic is perfect for stir fries. 
4. Apart from the cut, the point at which you add garlic also plays a role in how intense the resulting flavour will be. Adding it at the beginning of the cooking process will deliver a milder flavour. But if you want that bold, garlicky flavour, it is best to add garlic at a later point, preferably as a tempering.
5. In order to make sure that garlic retains most of its strong, juicy flavour, it is important to cook it at the right temperature. Once you add garlic to the pan, it is best to cook it on a low to medium for a short duration. Cooking garlic on high heat can not only overcook and burn it, but also lead to a bitter taste or loss of flavour altogether. 
6. If you are looking for a quick way to add more of that garlicky flavour to various dishes without having to chop, grate or mince it, each time, then a condiment like garlic oil or garlic confit is a great idea to have in your pantry at all times. Just a little bit of this condiment lends a delicious aroma and garlicky flavour to any dish. To make it, simply slow cook cloves of garlic in any neutral flavoured oil of your choice until the garlic turns golden brown in colour.  

Benefits of Eating Garlic

Apart from its incredible flavour, garlic also comes with a tonne of health benefits, making it just the perfect ingredient to add to your daily meals. Here are some garlic benefits: 

• Eating garlic regularly is one of the best ways to boost your immunity. The sulphur content in garlic helps to ward off harmful bacteria and viruses from entering our system. Which in turn helps to reduce the chances of contracting cold and fever.  
• Garlic is a low-calorie powerhouse of nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, manganese, vitamin B6, calcium, sulphur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, among others.
• Packed with antioxidants, garlic is a simple yet effective way to reduce oxidative stress from pollution, free radicals and inflammation. In other words, consuming garlic can help you achieve clearer and brighter skin too. Now who wouldn’t want that, right? 
• Research suggests that regular consumption of garlic lowers the chances of heart problems by keeping your cholesterol levels in control. Additionally, garlic also helps to regulate high blood pressure and strengthen overall cardiovascular health. 

My favourite recipes with garlic as the hero ingredient

1. Garlic cheese kulcha - Garlic cheese kulcha is an emotion, and you’d be surprised at how quick and easy it is to make at home. This recipe does not use any yeast, and it’s made on a tawa. Stuffed with cheese and a generous amount of garlic, this one screams garlic in every bite! 
2. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes - Mashed potatoes make for the perfect side dish when paired with roasted meats, spicy curries, or veggies. This mashed potato recipe is not only super creamy, but the addition of garlic and butter makes it absolutely irresistible! 
3. Chilli Garlic Noodles - No Indo-chinese fan can ever say no to chilli garlic noodles. Super easy to make and incredibly delicious, this is one of those backburner recipes everyone needs for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.  
4. Burnt Garlic Mushroom Fried Rice - Mushroom and garlic is a match made in heaven, and this burnt garlic mushroom fried rice is another indo-chinese recipe that never fails to impress. The best part is that this recipe is the perfect way to use leftover rice, as the texture is much better when using cold rice.   
5. Savoury Garlic Oats with Fried Egg - If you have never tried savoury garlic oats, you are missing out! A delicious twist to the OG healthy breakfast, these savoury garlic oats topped with a fried egg is definitely going to be your new favourite way to start your day. 
6. 5-ingredient honey chilli garlic tiger prawns - All you seafood lovers, this honey chilli garlic tiger prawns is an appetiser you need to try ASAP! The unique flavours of honey and garlic make this a total crowd pleaser. Add to that the fact that it requires just 5 ingredients and 8 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is sure to become your favourite in no time!     
7. Lasooni corn palak - Garlic and spinach is a highly underrated combination, and once you try it, you just won’t be able to have enough of it! Creamy spinach, lots of garlic, coupled with the texture of corn make this one irresistible dish!  
8. Garlic yogurt party dip - If you’re looking for an easy dip to serve at your next party, then look no further than this garlic yogurt dip. Super creamy and incredibly delicious, this is the perfect to dip everything from nachos and French fries, to cutlets, veggies and even chicken wings! 
9. Dhaba dal tadka with double tadka - An extra double garlic tadka is the perfect way to alleviate your regular dal and make it more indulgent. Additionally, this dal has a smokey flavour typical of dhaba-style dals and a oodles of texture to make every mouthful a complete flavour bomb! 
10. Dominos Style Garlic Breadsticks - If you are craving a quick fast food kick, then these Dominos style garlic breadsticks are the perfect option! With two different ways to make this garlic bread, along with their incredible seasoning made from scratch, this is the perfect appetiser for the next movie or game night!   

Which garlicky recipe are you the most excited to try first? DM me on Instagram!