How to Peel, Cut and Mince Garlic the Right Way

How to peel garlic

1. Press the garlic: Place garlic bulb on a cutting board. Press down on it with your palm on the root side to loosen the garlic cloves
2. Loosen the garlic cloves: Separate each garlic clove from the root using your fingers
3. Trim the end: Using a knife trin the root end of each garlic clove.
4. Gently Crush the clove: Place a garlic clove flat on the cutting board. Place the flat side of a chef's knife on the clove. Gently press with your palm in top of the flat knife until you feel the skin crack. Don't smush too much on the clove during this step.
5. Peel the skin: Remove the papery skin using your fingers. Discard the skin. It should be easy after the gentle crush.

Slice, Chop, Crush or Mince Garlic:

1. Slice: Place the peeled garlic flat side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice the garlic.
2. Chop: Chop the sliced garlic crosswise using the knife.
3. Crushed Garlic: Place the peeled garlic flat side down on a cutting board. Place the flat side of the chef's knife on the clove again and crush it.
4. Mincing with a knife: Slice the garlic cloves. Hold the knife securely, and place the fingertips of the other free hand on top of the blade near the tip to secure it. Use the rocking action to move the knife up and down to mince to the desired size.
5. Paste: Add the garlic cloves along with a little oil or water and pulse it in the blender to make a fine paste.
6. Use the cut or minced garlic immediately or within 1-2 hours.