Garlic is a highly nutritious ingredient that adds flavor and aroma to several dishes. It is a staple ingredient in many kitchens worldwide, known for its several health benefits.

However, some people have trouble with garlic due to its strong taste and odor. If you’re one of those who faces problems with garlic, we have some tips that will help you enjoy it without any discomfort.

Tip #1: Soak Garlic in Water

Soaking garlic in water for a while reduces its pungent taste and odor, making it easier to digest. To do this, peel the garlic cloves and put them in a bowl of water for about fifteen minutes before cooking. After that, drain them and use as usual.

This will help to eliminate the discomfort that garlic usually causes.

Tip #2: Roasting Garlic

The roasting of garlic mellows its taste and brings out a sweet and nutty flavor. Roasted garlic goes very well with vegetables, meats, and other savory dishes.

Roasting is quite simple, and all you need to do is preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, slice off the top of the garlic bulb, put it on a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil all over it, and then roast for 30 to 40 minutes. Once they cool down, you can use the cloves in any recipe.

Tip #3: Use Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a convenient alternative to fresh garlic as it retains all the nutritional value of garlic, minus the strong taste and odor. Use it in dishes that require a subtle garlic flavor like yogurt dips, salad dressings, and soups.

When using garlic powder, use a small amount, and add it slowly until you achieve the desired flavor.

Tip #4: Use Roasted Garlic Powder

Roasted Garlic Powder is an excellent option for people who love the taste of garlic while not wanting to deal with its strong flavor. It is made by roasting the garlic before grinding it into a powder.

Roasting garlic is a process that makes it less pungent and more palatable. The result is a sweet, nutty, and savory flavor that is perfect for sprinkling on pasta, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.

Tip #5: Add Garlic to a Sauce

Another great way to use garlic in your cooking is to add it to a sauce. This way, you can control the amount of garlic flavor you get without being overwhelmed by it.

For instance, adding garlic to a tomato sauce or marinara sauce brings out an incredible flavor. You can also add garlic to a creamy Alfredo sauce or bechamel sauce to give it an extra punch.

Tip #6: Cook Garlic Slowly

Cooking garlic slowly helps to reduce its strong taste and softens its texture, making it easier to digest. To do this, chop the garlic, and then saute it in some olive oil on low heat until it turns golden brown.

Using low heat prevents the garlic from burning or becoming too crispy, which may add bitterness to the dish.

Tip #7: Use Garlic-infused Oil

Garlic-infused oil is quite simple to make and adds a mild garlic flavor to dishes without the overpowering taste or smell. To make this oil, gently heat olive oil in a pan, add finely chopped garlic, and let it infuse for some time.

The longer the infusion, the stronger the flavor. You can also add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the oil for extra flavor. Garlic-infused oil is perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and sautes.

Tip #8: Use Green Garlic

Green garlic is the young garlic plant harvested before it develops bulbs. It has a mild garlic flavor that is less pungent than mature garlic. Green garlic can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, dips, and stir-fries.

It can also be used raw, finely chopped, and sprinkled on top of roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Tip #9: Use Black Garlic

Black garlic is fermented garlic with a sweet and earthy flavor that is less pungent than regular garlic. It is created by heating bulbs of fresh garlic under controlled conditions for several weeks.

The heat and humidity create a chemical reaction that turns the garlic black and turns the flavor mild and sweet. Black garlic can be used in a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.

Tip #10: Try Garlic Supplements

Garlic supplements are an excellent alternative to fresh garlic for people who cannot handle its taste or smell. Garlic supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders.

They contain all the nutrients of fresh garlic in a concentrated form, making them easy to swallow and digest. Garlic supplements are also known for their health benefits, including boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation.

Conclusion

Garlic is a versatile and healthy ingredient that adds flavor and aroma to many dishes. However, some people may experience difficulty handling its taste and odor.

If you’re one of those people, try to soak garlic in water, bake it, or use it as a powder to reduce its pungent taste and smell. You can also try using green garlic, black garlic, or garlic-infused oil to enjoy its flavor. Finally, garlic supplements offer an excellent alternative for people who cannot handle fresh garlic.