Garlic, the flavorful cornerstone of countless dishes, can be a pain to prep. But fear not! With a few simple steps, you can mince and freeze garlic in advance, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled garlic cloves (about 7-8 whole garlic bulbs)
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or olive)
Directions
- Line a quarter-size baking sheet (9×12) with plastic wrap, allowing about an inch to hang over the edges. Coat the plastic wrap with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse until evenly minced, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add the oil and pulse a few more times until fully mixed. Be careful not to over-process, as this can turn the garlic into a paste.
- Spread the garlic and oil mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to smooth and flatten it. Then, use a bench scraper to create a 1-inch grid by making 9 cuts along the short side and 12 cuts along the long side. Each square should be approximately 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Note: If using a different-sized pan, adjust the grid size to ensure each square measures 1 teaspoon. - Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for several hours, or until solid.
- Once frozen, remove the garlic from the pan in one large piece. Use the bench scraper or a large knife to cut the frozen garlic into 4 equal rectangles, following the pre-scored lines. Wrap three of the rectangles individually in plastic wrap and store them in a Ziploc freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Keep one rectangle in a separate Ziploc bag for easy access for current use. As you use it, replace the used portion by unwrapping another rectangle.
- Store the garlic in the freezer for up to 4 months.
To use: Break off as many squares as needed for a recipe. The garlic will thaw quickly at room temperature or can be microwaved for 5-10 seconds. For sautéing, soups, or sauces, the frozen garlic can be added directly to the pan, where it will thaw and break apart with the heat.
Measurement Guide:
- 1 square = 1 teaspoon = 2 garlic cloves
- 3 squares = 1 tablespoon = 6 garlic cloves
- 12 squares = 1/2 cup = 24 garlic cloves
