Learn how to make your own garlic paste at home from scratch in simple steps. My cooking mantra has always been, “If in doubt, add garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt.” Trust me, it works every time. This cooking condiment will never let you down, especially when used fresh in dishes. Garlic paste is perfect for making your favorite recipes like garlic butter shrimp or Indian dishes that I occasionally indulge in.
How to Make Garlic Paste from Scratch
What is Garlic Paste?
In simple terms, garlic paste is made by pureeing peeled fresh garlic cloves using a blender, food processor, or even a sharp knife. The garlic is then stored in the fridge or freezer for later use or used immediately in recipes. This method is the same as making ginger paste.
The only labor-intensive part of making garlic paste is peeling the garlic cloves. While you can buy ready-peeled garlic, it doesn’t have the same fresh taste as when you peel and use it right away. A single large garlic clove will yield about one teaspoon of paste.
Why Make Your Own Garlic Paste?
Here are a few reasons why you should make your own garlic paste at home:
- Freshness: Homemade garlic paste tastes better than store-bought varieties.
- No preservatives: You can make it with fresh, all-natural ingredients.
- Affordable: It’s a budget-friendly alternative to buying pre-made garlic paste.
- Convenience: You can store it and use it whenever you need it, saving time in the kitchen.
If you enjoy making your own condiments, you might also like my green seasoning recipe. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, try making oven-roasted garlic, which gives you a delicious, mellow flavor.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Paste
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste (optional)
How to Make Garlic Paste
- Peel the Garlic: Press the garlic bulb with the back of your palm to break it up. Then, remove the outer paper. Use your fingers to separate the cloves and peel them.
- Blend the Garlic: Add the peeled garlic cloves to a blender or food processor. Add a little olive oil and process until it forms a smooth paste. You can also mince it if you prefer a chunkier texture. The process should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the amount you are making.
- Season (Optional): If you’re storing the garlic paste, you can season it with salt. This step is optional, especially if you plan on freezing the paste.
- Store the Paste: Spoon the garlic paste into a clean jar and store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to a week. However, do not store it longer than this to avoid the risk of botulism.
How to Store Garlic Paste
- In the Fridge: Garlic paste can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- In the Freezer: If you have extra, you can freeze the garlic paste for longer storage. Spoon the paste into an ice cube tray (about one teaspoon per cube) and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag. The garlic paste can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recipes to Use Garlic Paste For
Once you’ve made your garlic paste, you can use it in a variety of dishes. Here are a few recipes you can try:
- Carrot Leek Soup
- Nigerian Beef Stew
- Shawarma Bread – add garlic paste for extra flavor
- Coconut Fried Rice
More Cooking Basics You Should Know
If you enjoy making your own condiments, here are some other helpful cooking techniques you might find useful:
- How to cook yam
- How to freeze yam
- Quick chicken stock recipe
- How to fry plantain
- How to cook fufu
- How to make basmati rice perfectly every time
- How to make eba
Making garlic paste at home is easy and ensures that you always have fresh, flavorful garlic ready for your cooking needs. Whether you choose to store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use, this simple condiment will elevate your dishes and add a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s much cheaper than buying pre-made garlic paste.
