Learn how to make garlic paste at home with simple steps and keep it fresh for longer in the fridge and freezer with useful tips & tricks.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: Not specified
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
  • Category: Pantry Essentials
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound garlic cloves
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Method

Separating the Garlic Cloves

  1. There are a few methods to separate garlic cloves from bulbs. Place the whole garlic bulb on a cutting board with the root side facing up. Using the flat side of a chef's knife, press down firmly on the garlic bulb to break the cloves apart.Smash it hard with your hand, then loosen and separate the cloves.

Peeling Garlic Cloves

  1. There are a few methods to peel garlic cloves based on your preference or the tools available in your kitchen. Using a garlic peeler: Place the clove inside a silicone tube and roll it back and forth by applying pressure using your hands. This will loosen the skin and be easy to remove. Using a knife: Take a single clove and trim a small portion of the root end with a knife. Then, place the clove on the cutting board and gently press the clove with the flat side of the chef's knife to loosen the skin. Using your mason jar: Separate the cloves from the bulb, place them in the glass or mason jar, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Then open the jar, and the skin should come off easily. Using your hands: Use your other hand to gently pull the skin away from the clove. This method works especially for cloves with thicker skin. Note: Skip the above steps if using store-bought peeled garlic cloves.

Making Garlic Paste

  1. Add garlic cloves and olive oil (if desired) to the blender or food processor.
  2. Blend the ingredients to a smooth paste. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender at least once in between.
  3. Transfer the garlic paste to a clean air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.