How to Crush Garlic Cloves
There are lots of gadgets on the market for crushing garlic. Some of the the simplest tools are a garlic press, and a mortar and pestle. But these gadgets are not necessary if you have a chef's knife and a sprinkling of salt. The salt acts as an abrasive to hasten the process, but you can eliminate it if you are on a low-sodium diet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Separate the cloves from the head by plucking it off with your thumb. Place each on the cutting board one at a time.
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2
Place the flat side of the knife on top of the garlic clove, parallel to the cutting board. Use the side or heel of your hand to pound down on the side of the knife, smashing the garlic clove. Keep your hand clear of the sharp knife edge.
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3
Lift the garlic pieces clear of the paper-like peeling and set aside until all of the garlic cloves are peeled. Discard the paper-like outer skins.
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4
Trim off the woody end of the clove and any green shoots that may be growing from the clove.
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5
Chop or slice the garlic into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt. A light sprinkle across the top is enough, approximately 1/8 tsp.
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Place the sharp edge of the knife against the cutting board and lay the knife across the top of the garlic, making a slight angle with the cutting board. Push the flat side of the knife against the garlic with your other hand, dragging the flat side of the knife blade across the top of the garlic as the garlic is crushed under the knife edge. Be careful to keep your fingers clear of the sharp edge.
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7
Scrape the garlic back into a pile and repeat the dragging motion through the garlic. The pressure of the knife and the abrasiveness of the salt grinds the garlic into a paste.
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8
Set the garlic aside until needed in the recipe.
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References
Resources
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