Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional, for preservation)
Equipment:
- Sharp knife or garlic press
- Cutting board
- Food processor or blender
- Clean, airtight glass jar
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic:
- Separate the garlic cloves from the bulbs.
- Peel the garlic cloves. An easy way to do this is to crush each clove slightly with the flat side of a knife, which loosens the skin.
- Trim off any brown spots or roots.
- Mince the Garlic:
- Using a Knife: Finely mince the garlic cloves with a sharp knife on a cutting board. This method gives you control over the size of the mince.
- Using a Garlic Press: For a quicker method, use a garlic press to crush the cloves.
- Using a Food Processor or Blender: Place the peeled garlic cloves in a food processor or blender. Add a small amount of olive oil to help with blending. Pulse until the garlic reaches your desired consistency.
- Preserve the Garlic:
- Olive Oil Method: Transfer the minced garlic to a clean glass jar. Pour in olive oil until the garlic is completely submerged. The oil helps to preserve the garlic and can also be used in cooking for added flavor.
- Salt Method: Mix the minced garlic with salt before storing. The salt acts as a preservative and enhances the garlic flavor.
- Acid Method: Add lemon juice or white vinegar to the minced garlic. This helps to preserve the garlic by lowering its pH.
- Store the Garlic:
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
- Store the jar in the refrigerator. The minced garlic can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored properly.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the minced garlic. Place it in an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer the frozen garlic cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Use as needed in cooking.
Tips:
- Freshness: The fresher the garlic, the better the flavor. Avoid using garlic that is sprouting or has soft spots.
- Safety: Always use clean utensils and jars to prevent contamination.
- Alternative Oils: While olive oil is recommended, you can use other oils such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Enjoy having your own homemade minced garlic ready for your cooking needs!
