Peeling garlic can sometimes feel like a hassle, but with the right tricks, you can do it quickly and efficiently, just like a pro. One of the most popular methods involves using a garlic press.
This tool allows you to crush the garlic without peeling each clove individually. Simply place a garlic clove inside the press, squeeze, and the skin is left behind, while the crushed garlic falls into your bowl.
Another easy technique is using the flat side of a chef's knife. Place the garlic clove under the blade and give it a quick, gentle smash. This pressure causes the skin to loosen, making it much easier to peel off.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can use a small bowl or jar to shake the garlic. Place a few garlic cloves inside, cover the top, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
If you're working with a larger batch of garlic, you can also try the "garlic shaker" method. For this, take a large metal or glass bowl, place a garlic bulb inside, and cover it with another bowl of the same size.
Hold the two bowls together and shake them back and forth for about 30 seconds. The force of the shaking will loosen the garlic skins, allowing you to peel them quickly.
Alternatively, another simple trick involves soaking the garlic in warm water for about 10 minutes. The heat softens the skins, making them easier to remove without much effort.
If you're dealing with stubborn cloves, using a sharp knife to trim off the ends can help loosen the skins. Once you remove the ends, peeling becomes a breeze.