Delicious And Convenient: Cooking With Jarred Minced Garlic
Cesar Chien
Chef Cuisine Minced Garlic, 8.0 OZ from www.walmart.com
Introduction
Garlic is an essential ingredient in many dishes, adding a delicious flavor and aroma to any meal. However, peeling and mincing garlic can be time-consuming and tedious. That's where jarred minced garlic comes in. It's a convenient and time-saving alternative that can make cooking a breeze. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using jarred minced garlic and share some delicious recipes that you can make with this versatile ingredient.
What is Jarred Minced Garlic?
Jarred minced garlic is simply fresh garlic cloves that have been peeled, chopped, and preserved in a jar with a liquid, usually water, oil, or vinegar. It's a convenient and time-saving alternative to peeling and mincing fresh garlic, especially if you're short on time or don't want to deal with the strong smell that fresh garlic can leave on your hands.
Ingredients
The ingredients for most jarred minced garlic products are simple: garlic, water, oil, or vinegar, and sometimes salt or citric acid. It's important to check the label for any additives or preservatives that may have been added, as some brands may use artificial ingredients or chemicals to extend the shelf life of the product.
Benefits of Using Jarred Minced Garlic
One of the main benefits of using jarred minced garlic is convenience. It's readily available at most grocery stores and can save you time in the kitchen, especially if you're making a recipe that calls for a lot of garlic. It's also less messy than peeling and mincing fresh garlic, and it won't leave a strong odor on your hands. Another benefit of using jarred minced garlic is consistency. Each jar contains a uniform size of minced garlic, which can be difficult to achieve when mincing fresh garlic by hand. This means that your dishes will have a consistent garlic flavor throughout.
How to Use Jarred Minced Garlic
Using jarred minced garlic is easy. Simply measure out the desired amount and add it to your recipe. Most recipes that call for fresh garlic can be substituted with jarred minced garlic, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. You may need to adjust the amount of garlic you use based on your personal taste preferences.
Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes that you can make with jarred minced garlic:
Garlic Bread
Ingredients: - 1 loaf of French bread - 1/2 cup of butter, softened - 2 tablespoons of jarred minced garlic - 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley - Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. 2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, jarred minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. 3. Cut the French bread into slices, but don't cut all the way through. 4. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread. 5. Wrap the bread in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the butter is melted.
Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients: - 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces - 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil - 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots) - 2 tablespoons of jarred minced garlic - 1/4 cup of soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of honey - 1 teaspoon of cornstarch Instructions: 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. 2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. 3. Add the mixed vegetables and jarred minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. 5. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the stir-fry and stir until the sauce thickens.
Nutrition
The nutritional value of jarred minced garlic varies depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. In general, it's a low-calorie and low-fat ingredient that's also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and manganese. However, some brands may add salt or other additives that can increase the sodium content of the product. It's always a good idea to check the label and choose a brand that uses simple, natural ingredients.
Conclusion
Jarred minced garlic is a convenient and time-saving alternative to peeling and mincing fresh garlic. It's easy to use and can add a delicious flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you're making garlic bread, stir-fry, or any other dish that calls for garlic, jarred minced garlic is a great ingredient to have on hand. Just be sure to choose a brand that uses natural ingredients and fits your dietary needs.