To cut garlic, start by peeling it: separate a clove from the bulb, place the clove flat on a cutting board, and lightly press with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin for easy peeling. After peeling, garlic can be cut in several ways:
- Slicing: Position the clove flat side down and run the knife slowly over it to create thin slices.
- Mincing: After slicing, run the knife repeatedly over the slices to mince the garlic into small pieces.
- Crushing: Place the flat side of the knife on the clove and press firmly to crush the garlic, which releases more flavor.
These different cuts suit various recipes, with minced garlic giving a strong flavor and sliced garlic offering a softer taste. Store any peeled garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days if not used immediately.
