Roasting garlic can provide a nutritious, filling, and tasty alternative to traditional uses of garlic. Garlic lovers have likely tried roasted garlic from restaurants in the past, but may be daunted at the prospect of preparing their own batch of roasted garlic in the privacy of their home or apartment kitchens. However, even novice cooks need not fear; with a few steps, it is quite easy to roast garlic in the comfort of your home. You will be able to eat the cloves straight from the garlic head, and enjoy their warm and toasty flavors. Follow this guide to learn how!
First, you will need to ensure you have the necessary cooking supplies and ingredients. You will need garlic, of course, but you will also need an oven, a knife (a chef’s knife works nicely, but almost any sharp knife will do), a baking or muffin pan, olive oil, and aluminum foil. It is quite likely you may have all of this in your kitchen already, but if not, you can find what you need at almost any grocery store.
Once you have everything you need, the next step is to preheat your oven. You want it at approximately four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Next, you will want to peel the outer layers of the garlic bulb away (this is the skin), being careful not to remove the skins of individual garlic cloves.
Next, grab your knife and carefully remove one quarter to one half of an inch from the tops of the garlic cloves. This will make the individual cloves of garlic visible. Depending on your garlic bulb, they may be a light green color.
Once you have your exposed garlic heads, place them in a baking pan. If you do not have a baking pan, a muffin pan will work equally well. You will then drizzle approximately two teaspoons of olive oil on top of each garlic head. You can use your fingers in the oil to ensure each garlic head is coated thoroughly. Once this is achieved, cover the baking or muffin pan with your aluminum foil. Then set a timer and place your pan in the oven, allowing it to bake for about thirty to thirty five minutes. Check periodically by pressing the garlic cloves; you will stop baking them when they feel soft. You will want to do this with a fork or other utensil to keep from burning your fingers.
Once the garlic is ready, remove it from the oven and give it ten to fifteen minutes to cool. Depending on your oven and room temperature, you may need more or less time than this; however, the overall goal is for the garlic to be cool enough for you to touch the heads without burning your fingers. At this point, you can use a small knife to cut around each clove of garlic, slicing lightly through the skin. Fro here, you will want to use your fingers or a small fork to remove the roasted garlic cloves from their skins; this can be done by pulling them out or squeezing them out.
The last step is the best–you get to eat your wonderful roasted garlic! Many people eat roasted garlic straight from the oven in this fashion, but others may choose to mash the garlic with a fork at this point and use it for cooking in other recipes. Alternatively, you can spread the garlic over bread or use it as a topping for baked potatoes. Experiment!
Related Video:
Cooking Tips : How to Roast Garlic
Additional Resources:
<>
