Vegetable, Spice (Culinary) | Vegan Gluten Free Keto Whole Food Low Calorie

Garlic

Allium sativum Allergen-Free
garlic

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Amaryllidaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Central Asia (Origin)
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Garlic plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The indispensable aromatic foundation of countless global dishes."

Definition

A pungent bulb vegetable belonging to the onion family, widely prized as an aromatic flavoring in global cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent, Savory, Spicy (raw), Sweet (cooked)
TextureCrisp (raw), Soft (cooked)
AromaSulfuric, Earthy, Aromatic
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production (2022 est.)

~30 million metric tons

Key Bioactive Compound

Allicin (formed when crushed)

Optimal Storage

Cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place (up to 6 months)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 clove (3g)
Calories149 kcal
Total Fat0.5 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein6.4 g
Total Carbohydrate33.1 g
Dietary Fiber2.1 g
Total Sugars1.0 g
Calcium181 mg
Iron1.7 mg
Potassium401 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel garlic, smash the clove with the side of a knife. To mellow its pungency, sauté gently until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Substitutions

Best Match

Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp powder:1 clove fresh

Concentrated garlic flavor, good for rubs, marinades, or when fresh is unavailable.

Shallots

1:1

Milder, sweeter onion-garlic flavor, excellent for sauces and sautéing.

Garlic Flakes (Dried)

1/2 tsp flakes:1 clove fresh

Rehydrate before use or add directly to liquids.

Onion (finely minced)

1:1

Provides an aromatic base, though lacks the intense pungency of garlic.

Buying Guide

Select firm, unsprouted garlic bulbs. Store in a cool, dry, dark place, not in the refrigerator, to prevent sprouting and mold.

Flavor Pairings

Pasta Sauces Roasts Stir-fries Soups Stews Dressings Breads Asian & Mediterranean cuisines

Recipes Using Garlic

Side Dishes Eggs Comfort Food Vegetarian

1 000 Artichoke Hearts

Experience the decadent flavor of 1000 Artichoke Hearts, a signature dish from Poncho's Wreck Restaurant in Wilmington, Vermont, created by Chef Anthony Fielding. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, garlic-butter artichoke hearts that are sure to impress. A simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish, ready in under 30 minutes!

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Time To Make Crock Pot Slow Cooker Lunch Eggs

Aunt Jenny's Slow Cooker Meatballs

These melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, adapted from a beloved Johnson family recipe (featured on the Baptist Church website!), are slow-cooked to perfection in your favorite slow cooker. Enjoy 3 tender meatballs drenched in 2 tablespoons of rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday supper. Get ready for flavor explosions!

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Low Calorie Mexican Occasion Soups Stews

Authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup

Craving a taste of Texas? This authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, passed down from a Texas culinary expert, delivers a rich, flavorful experience. Using rotisserie chicken for convenience, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready for a burst of Southwestern flavor in every spoonful!

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Fall Seasonal Occasion Time To Make

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Warm up your taste buds with this irresistible Autumn Vegetable Soup! A hearty and utterly delicious recipe, perfect for impressing family and friends. This rare find combines the best of fall's harvest into a creamy, flavorful soup that's sure to become a new favorite. Easy to double for a crowd!

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American Equipment Finger Food Main Ingredient

Avery Island Deviled Shrimp

Indulge in the fiery kick of Avery Island with this sensational deviled shrimp recipe! Succulent shrimp are tossed in a rich, creamy sauce, infused with the distinctive heat of Tabasco peppers. A perfect appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Dips Vegan Seasonal Dinner Party

Avocado And Tomatillo Dip

This vibrant Avocado and Tomatillo Dip is bursting with fresh flavor and incredibly easy to make! Perfect as a healthy appetizer, snack, or side dish, this recipe combines creamy avocados with tangy tomatillos for an unforgettable taste sensation. Ready in under 10 minutes, it's the perfect last-minute addition to any gathering.

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Soups Stews Shellfish Low In Something Easy

Avocado Crab Soup

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy Avocado Crab Soup! A quick and easy recipe (ready in 30 minutes!), perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter for a special dinner. The rich avocado blends seamlessly with sweet crab meat and zesty lemon for an unforgettable taste experience.

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Occasion Dietary Time To Make One Dish Meal

Avocado Tequila Linguine

Escape to summer with every bite of this vibrant Avocado Tequila Linguine! Creamy avocado, zesty tequila, and fresh herbs dance with juicy tomatoes and feta cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. This easy 50-minute recipe is bursting with flavor and is guaranteed to become a new weeknight favorite. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Corn Preparation Dietary Time To Make

Aw Shucks Grilled Corn

Elevate your grilling game with this incredible Aw Shucks Grilled Corn recipe, inspired by Rick Browne's Barbecue America! Juicy, smoky corn on the cob gets a flavor boost from a zesty spiced mayonnaise-butter mixture. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings. Get ready for unbelievably delicious grilled corn!

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Italian Kid Friendly Preparation Presentation

Awesome Lasagna No Boil Easy

Craving a comforting, cheesy lasagna but short on time? This incredibly easy no-boil lasagna recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort! Our tweaked family recipe uses Italian sausage for a rich, savory taste (easily swappable for ground beef), and boasts layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish that's ready in under 2 hours!

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Easy Main Ingredient Meat Occasion

Awesome Turkey Meatloaf

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this unbelievably delicious and healthy turkey meatloaf! This recipe, originally from my step-mom (with a few of my own delicious twists!), will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leave you craving more. Perfect for chilly winter nights, this meatloaf is so good, you'll want to make it again and again. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Shellfish Time To Make

B B Q Almond And Honey Crusted Prawns

Elevate your grilling game with these succulent BBQ Almond & Honey Crusted Prawns! This revamped recipe features a sweet and savory crust that's incredibly easy to make – simply combine all ingredients (using a hand mixer or food processor for extra ease!), marinate, and grill to perfection. The precise cook time depends on prawn size, but the result is always a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for a summer barbecue or a special weeknight meal. Serve with lemon wedges and a fresh salad for a complete culinary experience.

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Low In Something Seafood Low In Something Preparation

Back Porch Bayou Shrimp Corn Rsc

Transport yourself to a Louisiana bayou with this Creole-inspired shrimp and corn recipe! Perfect for a summer evening or a cozy winter night, this Reynolds Wrap-cooked dish is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to clean up. Imagine the sweet corn, succulent shrimp, and rich Creole sauce – all cooked to perfection in foil packets for maximum flavor and minimal mess. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more!

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Time To Make Poultry Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less

Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken

Juicy, tender chicken infused with smoky bacon and creamy ranch dressing – all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by Tastefully Simple.

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Easy Spreads Time To Make Easy

Baked Asparagus Dip

This Baked Asparagus Dip was a smash hit at my book club! It's incredibly quick and easy to make, yet delivers a sophisticated and unique flavor profile that will impress your guests. Serve with crunchy crackers or toasted crostini for the perfect party appetizer. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh asparagus flavor – this recipe is a guaranteed winner!

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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Poultry

Baked Chicken And Mushrooms

This recipe for Baked Chicken and Mushrooms is a family favorite, adapted for a light and tasty meal! Juicy chicken breasts are baked to perfection and topped with savory sauteed mushrooms in a rich broth. A sprinkle of cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under an hour!

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Preparation Appetizers Occasion Main Ingredient

Herb Garlic Marinated Feta

Elevate your appetizers with this incredibly flavorful Herb Garlic Marinated Feta! Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, topping bruschetta, or adding a zesty kick to salads. This recipe infuses creamy feta cheese with fragrant herbs and garlic, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make treat. The marinated oil is also amazing in dressings! Made with light olive oil for a lighter, brighter flavor.

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4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Finger Food 4 Hours Or Less

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings With A Kick

Craving a flavor explosion? These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings deliver sweet, tangy, and spicy perfection! The perfect balance of honey garlic glaze and a fiery Tabasco kick will leave you wanting more. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious weeknight dinner. Get ready for finger-licking goodness!

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