How to cook with garlic cloves?

Question

I don't cook much & I just use garlic powder but I'm wanting to switch to using garlic cloves but I have no idea what to do with them. What section of the store do you buy them in? And do you have to cook them? How do you cut them? I am too embarassed to ask anyone I know so please help! :)

Answer 1

Garlic is my second most favorite ingredient when I cook, so I greatly support your interest in switching to garlic cloves!

Generally, garlic is found in the produce section along with onions and peppers. It is actually a member of the onion family, so it usually in that row.

You need to pull a clove from the large head (bulb) of garlic, and it will be encased in white paper-like skin. The fastest way to get the skin off is take a large knife (butcher knife) and place the flat side on top of the garlic clove and use your fist to smack it down. This should release the skin somewhat, and it will be easier to pull off.

After that, you can mince it, you can leave it whole, you can slice it...The thinner and smaller the pieces, the spicier the taste. The flavor is different based on the size, so you just need to try it all out.

Hint: Wash your hands regularly when handling garlic. If you wait until you are finished touching it, you will have garlic smell on your hands for days. I like to do it at least once I have finished pulling the cloves from the bulb and then once I've finished chopping it.

Answer 2

You can find garlic bulbs in the produce section. You can ask anyone working there, or even another customer if you need to know which ones are best to buy. I like to saute them with sesame oil with chopped veggies. (carrots, zucchini, onions, bean sprouts). Separate a clove from the bulb and hit it with the flat part of the knife. Take off the paper skin and throw the clove in the pan with the veggies and oil. Don't burn it or it turns bitter. But still edible. Check out the Food Network. They cook with garlic a lot.
I also love to throw it into a hot pan with olive oil and just cook it till it burns, then eat that!! I could go on and on. I love garlic!

Answer 3

You can find garlic in the produce dept. at the grocery store. They come in bulbs, a bulb consist of garlic cloves. All you have to do is pull the cloves off the bulb and remove the skin, then you can just chop it up and saute with whatever you are cooking. You can also buy jars of already chopped garlic, which is a lot easier.

Answer 4

You should cook garlic because when it's raw it's very pungent, and even stings the nasal passages a little. And you don't have to cut it up any soecial way, just chop it into smallish pieces however you like. Saute it in butter or olive oil (NO salt) to bring out the best flavor until it becomes slightly browned.

You can buy the heads of garlic in the fresh vegetable section, or you could buy garlic paste (no chopping!) usually with the pasta sauces and stuff.

Answer 5

You can usually find garlic cloves in the produce section.

To prepare them, rip a clove out of the bunch. It should have a shape like an orange wedge. Slice off the tips of the wedge, then peel off all the white, papery skin. When you're left with only the cream-colored flesh, dice it as small as you possibly can.

One of the best uses of garlic is lightly frying vegetables in olive oil with garlic in it. Garlic is also full of anti-oxidants.

Answer 6

I use garlic in everything I make. You can either buy a garlic press. You place a clove in in and smash the handles together and you get minced garlic or you can shave it with a sharp knife or razor blade or just wack it. I use all 3 and then cook in a little olive oil.

Answer 7

All of them have said how to peel and saute garlic cloves. I will tell you how to use it.to make garlic chatni which you can use with anything as an accompaniment.
garlic cloves peeled and sauted in any oil- 20
dessicated coconutroasted a little- 50gms
chilli powder--1/2 tsp
salt- 1tsp
tamarind(optional)- 1/4 tsp
mix all in a mixer until you get a homogenic mixture.
relish it with anything like bread,rice ,noodles,fries etc

Answer 8

get the cloves out. give them a nice wack. and peel the skin off. dice/mince however you like. you use garlic after you put the oil in the pan, to infuse the flavors of the garlic. but don't let the garlic burn. you can rub garlic on freshly baked breads. garlic's pretty much hanging around everywhere around the store. just ask[:

Answer 9

You could use it in soups, or place it in the chicken while baking to enhance it's flavour. Garlic cloves are generally less messy, cause you need not peel nor chop. just stuff or put them in! (:

Enjoy cooking!