How to include Garlic in your diet

Including garlic in your diet is both easy and delicious, as it enhances the flavor of many dishes while delivering numerous health benefits. Here are practical tips and recipe ideas to help you incorporate more garlic into your meals:

Practical Tips for Using Garlic

1. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Benefits: Fresh garlic contains the highest levels of allicin, the potent compound responsible for most of its health benefits. Crush, chop, or mince the garlic and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to activate allicin.
2. Add Garlic Early for Flavor, Late for Health: If you want to get the full health benefits, add garlic toward the end of cooking to preserve its active compounds. For flavor, adding it early allows the aroma to infuse the dish.
3. Roast Garlic for a Milder Taste: Roasting garlic in the oven mellows its pungent flavor, giving it a sweet, caramelized taste that works great as a spread or seasoning.
4. Try Garlic Supplements: If you’re not a fan of raw garlic or its taste, garlic supplements like aged garlic extract can provide the health benefits without the strong flavor or smell.
5. Freeze Garlic for Convenience: You can freeze peeled garlic cloves to use later in cooking. This makes it easy to always have garlic on hand for your recipes.

Recipe Ideas for Adding Garlic

1. Garlic-Infused Olive Oil

A simple and versatile way to add garlic to your diet is by making garlic-infused olive oil. This oil can be drizzled over salads, used in cooking, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 5-6 garlic cloves, peeled and slightly crushed

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over low heat.
2. Add the garlic cloves and gently heat until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain out the garlic. Store the infused oil in a jar for future use.

2. Garlic Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables with garlic is a simple, healthy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
• 2 cups of your favorite vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, cauliflower)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the vegetables and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Garlic Lemon Chicken

This garlic-forward dish is quick and delicious, perfect for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken and in the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Add the lemon juice and cook for another minute. Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

4. Garlic Hummus

Homemade garlic hummus is a tasty, nutrient-dense dip that’s perfect with vegetables or pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Add water or olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or as a sandwich spread.

5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a savory twist on classic mashed potatoes, add garlic for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes and garlic cloves together in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes).
2. Drain and mash the potatoes and garlic with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Serve as a side dish to your favorite meal.

6. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

This quick and healthy dish makes a great side or a nutritious addition to pasta or grains.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic slices and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

7. Garlic Bread

For a classic garlic treat, garlic bread is perfect as a side for soups, pastas, or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
3. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture on each side.
4. Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.