Garlic Adds Flavor to Just About Any Recipe

How to add garlic to your recipe to make that perfect meal.

Nashville, Ark. – There are some food items in the kitchen that we just don’t think we can live without; for me that is garlic. I use it in most main dishes and several side dishes because it adds such a wonderful flavor and aroma. In fact, sauté anything in garlic and oil and you probably have a recipe for success.

Benefits of garlic

Garlic is native to middle Asia and the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. It is a member of the onion family and is known for its pungent aroma. Garlic has even been associated with medicinal properties including fighting infections by boosting the immune system, cancer prevention, and its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Garlic can be grown here in Arkansas. The edible bulb or head grows beneath the ground in the garden, or it can be planted in containers. The harvested bulb is made up of sections called cloves, each encased in its own parchment like membrane. So, when a recipe calls for a head of garlic, it is referring to the entire part removed from the ground; the clove is the small section found when the parchment is unwrapped. Most recipes call for clove(s) of garlic.

Varieties of garlic

There are several different varieties of garlic including purple-skinned, elephant garlic, or young or green garlic. Basically, it can be broken down into hard-neck garlic with a thick, unbendable center stem; and soft-neck garlic which is the most common supermarket variety. Hard-neck varieties are cold hardy, have a milder flavor, and are preferred by gourmet chefs.

Garlic is available in late summer and fall if grown in the home garden. It can be found year-round at the supermarket. When purchasing garlic, look for large, plump bulbs that are compact and have unbroken, dry skin. Squeeze the bulb and if it gives under your fingers don’t buy it.

Storage

Garlic should be stored in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated place, but not in the refrigerator. Fresh garlic will store well for several months. Dried and powdered garlic should be stored in airtight containers away from a heat source.

Garlic cloves are mostly used fresh, minced, or crushed. One raw garlic clove, finely minced or pressed, releases more flavor than a dozen cooked whole cloves. An easy rule of thumb to remember regarding the potency of the flavor of garlic is – the smaller you cut it, the stronger the flavor.

Garlic can be baked, sautéed, or used in stews, sauces, and a variety of dishes. It is very versatile. When sautéing garlic, be careful not to burn it. The flavor will turn intensely bitter.

For more information on cooking with herbs including garlic, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse.

Recipe of the Week - Baked Garlic Chicken Breasts

This recipe takes only 55 minutes to prepare. Serve with mashed potatoes and a tossed green salad for a colorful, healthy meal.

  • 2 teaspoons crushed garlic

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup dry breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Warm the garlic and olive oil in a sauté pan. Do not overcook!

  3. In a separate dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

  4. Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and garlic mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture.

  5. Place in a shallow baking dish.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clean.

                 Yield: 4 servings

  1. Nutrition information per serving: Calories-306, Fat-17.2g; Sodium-251mg; Carbohydrates-5.6g, Protein-30.8g

 

 

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.