Garlic is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s a culinary hero that can transform mundane meals into something memorable. Known for its robust flavour and health-promoting properties, garlic makes cooking swift and simple, especially on hectic evenings when you’re pressed for time. With a few cloves in hand, you can master quick recipes that are both flavourful and nutritious.
This Creamy Garlic Pasta (Jessica in the Kitchen) elevates the normal pasta sauce to Italian gourmet. Yet it’s surprisingly simple to make, with just a few ingredients. The rich creamy sauce contains shiitake mushrooms and tomatoes, and vegan cream cheese for a ‘quick cheat’ cream alternative.
Garlic (along with all alliums) are unsafe near animal friends (along with many other ingredients used alongside garlic like mushrooms, citrus fruits and fresh dough). keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen.
Bin garlic (and other allium) scraps (plus citrus/rhubarb scraps), as the acid can harm compost creatures.
Why Garlic is a Perfect Ingredient for Busy Weeknights
Garlic is like the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen—versatile, efficient, and always up to the task. Its pungent aroma and deep flavour enhance just about any dish. Even better, it works fast, requiring little prep or cooking time. So, when the clock’s ticking and hunger’s knocking, garlic is your best mate.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic doesn’t just taste good; it’s good for you as well. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it helps keep the immune system on guard. Known for its antibacterial properties, garlic can fend off colds and other nasties. It’s also said to help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In short, garlic is a tiny powerhouse of wellness.
How Garlic Elevates Simple Dishes
When life’s busy, meals often start with basic ingredients. Garlic steps in to dress them up, making you feel like you’re dining out, even when you’re at home. Whether it’s plain pasta or a simple salad, a dash of garlic can elevate it to five-star fare. Its ability to add depth without an array of spices simplifies cooking while maximising flavour.
Garlic first arrived to England’s shores in 1548, used to treat skin diseases and cholera (and even to treat soldiers during the 1918 influenza pandemic). European Joseph Pilates taught prisoners with influenza his exercises. Hitler wanted him to train troops. But as a pacifist, instead he escaped by boat (where he met his wife) and that’s how Pilates started.
Garlic soon fell out of favour but became popular again in Victorian times, when people discovered French food. Isle of Wight garlic farm says that when it opened in the 80s, some people believed it would not succeed. But they knew better, as the co-founder’s granny had planted some after three French fighters in Cowes missed it so much, they asked a resistance fighter to fly some out!
Types of Garlic
Garlic comes in several varieties, each offering unique flavours and characteristics. Here are the popular types you may encounter:
- Hardneck Garlic: This variety has a hard stem in the centre. It’s known for its rich flavour and is often preferred by gourmet chefs. Hardneck garlic boasts larger cloves and tends to have a more complex taste.
- Softneck Garlic: Softneck garlic is commonly found in supermarkets. It has a flexible stem and many smaller cloves. This type is milder in flavour, making it perfect for everyday cooking. It’s also known for its longer shelf life.
- Elephant Garlic: Surprisingly, this is not true garlic but a type of leek. However, it’s popular due to its massive cloves and mild flavour. It’s ideal for people who want a hint of garlic without the overpowering taste.
Quick Weeknight Vegan Garlic Recipes
Tomato Garlic Sauce (Jessica in the Kitchen)
Garlic isn’t just a flavour booster; it offers a wealth of health benefits too. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side dish, these quick vegan garlic recipes will save you time while delivering great taste. Let’s explore some simple ideas that will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Garlic bread is on the menu for pasta night! But most ready-made garlic bread made with factory-farmed animal ingredients in plastic packaging. So why not make your own? Vegan Garlic Bread (The Veg Space) is made with parsley, vegan butter (Flora is a good palm-oil-free brand) and optional vegan cheese.
Keep fresh dough (and garlic) away from pets. Never give garlic/salty bread to garden birds or wildfowl (nor stale/crusty/mouldy bread) as it can choke (buttered bread smears feathers, affecting waterproofing/insulation).
Garlic bread is a dish created by Italian-American immigrants, updating the Italian bruschetta (served with olive oil before butter was used), slicing a baguette diagonally to stuff with butter, herbs (and sometimes cheese) before baking in the oven. It’s usually then torn at the table, to accompany a meal.
Garlic bread – it’s the future. I’ve tasted it. Brian Potter (played by Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights)
Tips for Storing and Preparing Garlic
The magic of garlic deserves to be preserved and prepped efficiently to save you time and effort.
Best Ways to Store Garlic
To keep garlic fresh, store bulbs in a cool, dry place. Avoid the fridge; instead, opt for a mesh bag or basket that allows air circulation. Proper storage can keep garlic usable for months.
How to Chop Garlic effectively
Chopping garlic may seem simple, but doing it right can enhance your cooking experience. Follow this step-by-step guide for effective chopping: For those busy weeknights, a garlic press can be a must-have tool. Here’s why using a garlic press is beneficial: Otherwise:
Peel a clove and place the flat side of a knife over the clove and apply gentle pressure to crush it slightly. This will loosen the skin, making it easy to peel off. Use a small knife to trim the root end, then chop lengthwise into strips, and across to create tiny pieces. To mince for extra flavour, use the flat side of the knife to press down on the chopped garlic, rocking the knife back and forth.
Conclusion: Embrace Garlic for Easy Dinners
Garlic not only simplifies cooking but amps up the flavour in your dishes, making it a must-have for effortless, quick meals. From pasta to tacos, this humble bulb works wonders. So, why not experiment a bit more with garlic in your weeknight routine? Embrace the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table.