Why Does Everything Have to Have Garlic in It?

 

The Secret Ingredient You Can’t Cook Without

A common expression in Filipino culture: "Para kang bawang, lagi kang nakasahog," which translates to "You're like garlic, always mixed in." It describes someone who always wants to be involved in everything, much like how garlic finds its way into almost every dish. But why is garlic so universally favored? And what is it about garlic that makes it an essential part of the kitchen?

The Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is packed with health benefits and is often considered a superfood. It contains antioxidants and allicin, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic also promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and can boost the immune system, helping to fight off colds and infections. Its health benefits go hand in hand with its powerful ability to elevate the flavor of almost any dish.

For those who love garlic, its appeal extends beyond its health advantages—it's about the unique flavor it imparts. Whether raw, sautéed, or roasted, garlic enhances the taste of countless recipes, making it indispensable in every kitchen.

Why Garlic is a Staple Ingredient in the Kitchen

Garlic has a long-standing place in global cuisines, and in Filipino kitchens, it’s almost unimaginable to cook without it. From traditional dishes like adobo to quick stir-fries, garlic always plays a supporting role in the recipe. Its versatility makes it ideal for savory dishes, sauces, marinades, and even bread recipes.

In my kitchen, garlic is more than just a flavor enhancer—it's a vital ingredient. In my own opinion, I prefer fresh garlic over garlic powder because of the richer, more complex flavor. While I use garlic powder for certain dishes that need a dry seasoning or when I’m short on time, nothing beats the aroma and taste of fresh garlic. When sautéing, I always like to add more garlic than any other seasoning, opting for a natural flavor boost instead of artificial flavoring or seasoning. I also believe fresh garlic is healthier and brings more depth to any dish.

Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder

Although garlic powder is convenient for quick meals or rubs, fresh garlic is irreplaceable for rich, bold flavors. The process of sautéing fresh garlic fills the kitchen with an aroma that can't be duplicated by garlic powder. The difference in taste is profound, especially in Filipino dishes where garlic’s presence is essential.

However, one downside is the peeling and chopping of fresh garlic, which many find tedious. But with some simple tips and tricks, you can make the process faster and more enjoyable.

Tips for Peeling and Chopping Garlic

If peeling garlic feels like a chore, here are some tried-and-true techniques to make it easier:

1. Smash and Peel Method: Place the garlic clove under the flat side of a chef’s knife and press down firmly with the heel of your hand. The pressure will break the skin, making it easy to peel. This method is quick and works great for most cooking needs.

2. Garlic Shaking Hack: Place a few cloves of garlic inside a small jar with a lid and shake it vigorously. The skin will loosen and separate from the cloves, allowing you to peel multiple cloves at once without much effort.

3. Microwave Trick: Put unpeeled garlic cloves in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The heat causes the skin to loosen, making peeling much easier.

4. Use a Garlic Peeler: Silicone garlic peelers are tubes where you place garlic cloves and roll them with slight pressure. The skin comes off effortlessly, leaving the cloves ready for use.

Now that you've peeled the garlic, here are some ways to chop it efficiently:

• Use a Garlic Press: a garlic press is a great tool. Just pop a clove in the press if chopping feels too much work and you’ll get finely minced garlic without much effort.

• Rocking Method: After smashing the clove, use a chef’s knife to rock back and forth across the garlic. On the cutting board keep the blade tip while chopping to make the process smooth and controlled.

• Chop in Bulk: If you know you’ll be using garlic frequently, consider chopping multiple cloves at once and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for longer. This saves you time during busy cooking sessions.

Garlic: The Healthier Choice

With all the artificial seasonings available today, garlic is a natural, healthier option. Its bold flavor allows you to cut back on salt and processed ingredients without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. For those like me who want both flavor and health benefits in their dishes, garlic is the perfect ingredient.

Conclusion

So, why does everything have to have garlic in it? The answer is simple—garlic makes everything better. Whether to enhance the flavor, boost the nutritional value, or enjoy its intoxicating aroma, you're looking for garlic is a must-have in any kitchen. With some simple techniques to peel and chop it, using fresh garlic becomes less of a hassle and more of a joy. For those of us who can't imagine cooking without garlic, we’ll gladly embrace our inner bawang—always involved, always enhancing the meal.