Garlic (Allium sativum)
History:
Garlic is an ingredient that has been used in food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. In some cultures, it has been thought to ward off evil spirits (werewolves and vampires, too). Through my research, I've found that there are many medicinal benefits of garlic including, but not limited to: heart disease prevention, improvement of the immune system, and may possibly protect against cancer (Source).
What is it?
Garlic is actually a member of the onion family. The bulb of the plant is divided into cloves, which are the edible part. Smash the clove with the flat side of your chef's knife, peel away any of the covering (it reminds me of tissue paper), and mince! The raw garlic has a pungent, spicy flavor, but when cooked the flavor begins to mellow and become sweeter.
What do you do with it?
Garlic can be used in a variety of ways. I use it most often when cooking Italian and Asian dishes, but it has the ability to complement the flavors in any kind of cuisine! It can add a nice punch of flavor to ground meat when browning. Another tasty method is to roughly chop cloves, cut small slits into a roast (pork or beef), place garlic in slits, and throw in a slow cooker with some broth, onions, and carrots for 8 hours.
This ingredient could be used in so many different ways for this challenge, the trick will be to let the flavor "speak" for itself, without being overbearing.
Garlic is an ingredient that has been used in food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. In some cultures, it has been thought to ward off evil spirits (werewolves and vampires, too). Through my research, I've found that there are many medicinal benefits of garlic including, but not limited to: heart disease prevention, improvement of the immune system, and may possibly protect against cancer (Source).
What is it?
Garlic is actually a member of the onion family. The bulb of the plant is divided into cloves, which are the edible part. Smash the clove with the flat side of your chef's knife, peel away any of the covering (it reminds me of tissue paper), and mince! The raw garlic has a pungent, spicy flavor, but when cooked the flavor begins to mellow and become sweeter.
What do you do with it?
Garlic can be used in a variety of ways. I use it most often when cooking Italian and Asian dishes, but it has the ability to complement the flavors in any kind of cuisine! It can add a nice punch of flavor to ground meat when browning. Another tasty method is to roughly chop cloves, cut small slits into a roast (pork or beef), place garlic in slits, and throw in a slow cooker with some broth, onions, and carrots for 8 hours.
This ingredient could be used in so many different ways for this challenge, the trick will be to let the flavor "speak" for itself, without being overbearing.
What is your favorite dish to cook with garlic?
Kim
Kim
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