Blenders are an amazing kitchen asset that allows you to blend everything from smoothies to soups to dips. And if you love using garlic in your cooking but you don’t want to peel, chop and mince it every time, you can use a blender to make a garlic paste that you can store and quickly use in your food recipes.
There are different ways you can make a garlic paste, so if you don’t want to use store-bought garlic paste, you can use freshly minced garlic and your blender to make a paste. So, how do you puree garlic in a blender? You’ll need to incorporate freshly peeled garlic cloves cut into pieces, salt, and any neutral oil into your blender and blend thoroughly into a smooth or chunky paste.
What is garlic paste?
Garlic paste is the same as pureed garlic cloves that you add a bit of oil and salt or ginger and you can either refrigerate or freeze and use it when you need it in your cooking. You can also prepare it by boiling the garlic cloves and pureeing them into a smooth paste or roasting the garlic before pureeing them to give them a mellow flavor. You can also add some pepper. Garlic puree or paste has a light tan to cream color and its thickness may vary depending on your preference. You can also use it as a substitute for fresh garlic in your recipes.
Garlic paste nutritional facts
Nutrient |
Facts |
Phosphorous |
Helps with the normal function of your cells, energy creation, maintain healthy teeth and bones |
Iron |
Boost your immune system, reduce fatigue, RBC formation |
Vitamin B6 |
Helps your mental health, immune system, support healthy hair |
Myricetin |
Protection from cell damage especially for diabetic and cancer patients |
Quercetin |
Protect against cardiovascular disease, protect your liver and kidneys, improve mental health, help with allergies like asthma |
Potassium |
Normalize your blood pressure, normal function of your nervous system and muscles |
How to make garlic paste
Generally, garlic paste consists of 3 ingredients, fresh garlic, oil, and salt. Some people prefer to add ginger, but some recipes may not call for the two ingredients so you can make them separately. The oil and salt help to preserve the garlic for longer. Once you’ve prepared it, you can store it in your fridge or freezer.
Choose fresh garlic cloves that are heavy and smooth, but avoid those with soft spots, green shoots, and mold. Choose a neutral oil like vegetable, olive, corn, or canola oil that doesn’t add flavor to the garlic paste. The salt acts as a preservative and also draws out the moisture in the garlic, tenderizes it, and gives it a better flavor.
Method
- First, peel the garlic cloves and remove the green germ in the middle of each clove for less bitter results or you can opt to leave it. as garlic ages, its aroma and flavor become stronger.
- Add the garlic cloves into your blender and proceed to make a garlic puree.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the paste and scrape down the sides and continue to blend for a few seconds
- Drizzle in the oil preferably one without a strong flavor and blend to allow all the ingredients to thoroughly incorporate. Your garlic paste is ready.
- You can blend the paste for longer if you want a smooth consistency or leave it slightly chunky.
How to store the garlic paste
In the fridge
Transfer your garlic paste into an airtight glass container for 5-7 days and place it in the coldest part of your fridge, preferably at the furthest corner. Pour some oil at the top of the container to seal its freshness. If the jar is properly sealed from air and moisture, the paste can stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. However, even if you store the paste in the fridge, there is a risk of botulism, so if you’re going to keep the paste for more than 3 days, heat it thoroughly for at least 10 minutes to destroy this toxin.
The top surface of the paste may turn brown which is a harmless reaction with oxygen and not a sign of spoilage unless the brown color goes deeper below the surface. Always use a clean dry spoon when scooping the paste from the container.
In the freezer
If you plan on using the paste for more than a month, you should make a large batch and freeze it. This will also help in reducing the risk of botulism. Add the garlic paste to a freezer bag and press to flatten it, then break it into bits depending on how much you use. You can also opt to spoon the paste into a small ice cube tray based on how much you use. This way you can just take the cubes you need to use for any recipe. You can freeze the garlic paste for about 10-12 months, the same with cooked and frozen garlic.
Tips to keep your garlic past fresh for longer
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your homemade garlic paste fresh for longer.
- Always use fresh garlic cloves to make your paste.
- Make sure that your storage jar is clean and completely dry because even the least bit of moisture can cause your paste to go bad.
- Remember to put back the ice cube tray or freezer bag to the freezer or fridge and avoid leaving them on the counter for too long.
- Repeat thawing and freezing will make your paste stale.
Conclusion
Pureeing garlic paste in a blender is a very easy process, but you should ensure that you thoroughly clean the blender after use with hot soapy water to remove the smell of garlic.
FAQ
Is garlic paste and garlic puree the same thing?
Garlic paste and garlic purees are the same things. It’s pureed garlic cloves with some oil and salt. You can either store it in the fridge or freezer.
Can I make garlic paste without using a blender?
Yes, you can but it won’t be as smooth. You just need to sprinkle some salt over the garlic and using the side of the knife and holding it at a right angle, drag it over the garlic back and forth for a few minutes until you achieve a thick and rich blended paste.
