How to chop, crush, and mince garlic

Crushed, chopped and minced garlic

Garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine, as it is in many other cuisines. In just a few minutes, you'll learn how to properly prepare it for any recipe.

Step 1: Peel the garlic

The garlic is covered with layers of dry skin. Peel off the outer layers.

Step 2: Separate into cloves

Now press down on the garlic head with your palm until the cloves loosen slightly from the base. Separate them with your fingers. If you only need a couple of cloves, pull them out, leaving the head intact.

Step 3: Peel the cloves

To peel a garlic clove, place it on a cutting board and cut off the root with the tip of a knife.

Step 4: Crushed garlic

Place the flat side of the knife on the garlic clove, holding it by the handle. With your other hand, gently press down on the knife—this will help separate the skin. Now that you've peeled the garlic, you can use it in a variety of ways: crushed, chopped, or minced. To crush the garlic, place the flat side of the knife over it again and press down with more force. Advice: In this form, use it for stews, soups and roasts.

Step 4: Chopped Garlic

Place the peeled garlic on a cutting board. Hold it with the fingertips of one hand, slightly curled. Slice thinly, lifting and lowering the knife as it gradually moves along the clove.

Step 5: Crushed Garlic

First, crush the garlic clove. Now roughly chop it. Then, holding the knife with one hand, place your other palm across the top of the knife. Chop the garlic using a rocking motion until it's finely chopped. Advice: Crushed garlic imparts its flavor more fully to a dish and is well suited for sauces and marinades.

Step 6: Practice

By putting these techniques into practice, you'll hone your skills and become a master at chopping and mincing garlic for flavorful dishes.




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