Garlic is an aromatic vegetable that can be used in many kinds of meals. A small amount can bring a lot of flavor to a recipe. The strength of garlic depends on how much of the enzyme alliinase is released. When whole garlic cloves are crushed or chopped, alliinase is released and it reacts with alliin, forming allicin and organosulfur compounds.
Studies suggest that garlic may benefit many aspects of health, such as cholesterol, blood glucose control, immunity, and blood pressure.
The flavor of garlic can be pungent and spicy when raw. Cooking makes it milder and savory. Here are some ideas for using it in the kitchen.
Make a sauce with fresh garlic and extra-virgin olive oil to coat pasta and vegetables.
Sauté it with vegetables for a side dish or soup recipe.
Roast whole garlic cloves to caramelize its flavor and add to recipes.
Use it to make a side of savory garlic bread or garlic knots.
Add it to a variety of dressings, sauces, marinades, and curries.
Use an 1/8 tsp garlic powder in place of fresh garlic in a variety of recipes.
Information gathered & adapted from:
https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/garlic-the-spicy-vegetable/
Broccoli in Lemon and Garlic
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound broccoli, separated into florets
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
1.Place broccoli florets in a large skillet over medium heat.
2.Stir 2 teaspoons lemon juice into water in a small bowl and pour the mixture into the skillet.
Cover and steam until broccoli is bright green and tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
3.While broccoli is steaming, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir in garlic and salt; turn heat to low and let the garlic gently fry until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
4.Drain water from cooked broccoli and return to skillet; sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons lemon juice and the butter and garlic mixture.
5.Sprinkle broccoli with black pepper, and toss to combine. Serve hot.
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Nutrition Information per Serving: 9 grams total fat, 5 gram of saturated fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 3.5 grams protein, 397 milligrams sodium, 382 milligrams potassium, 2 grams sugar
Recipe adapted from:
https://cookeatshare.com/recipes/broccoli-in-lemon-and-garlic-716031
