5 Fast and Easy Ways to Peel Garlic

In the kitchen, garlic is practically as valuable as a sharp knife. The ingredient is part of the onion family and you may be hard-pressed to find a savory and flavorful dish it doesn't go with. Garlic can be used in sauces, dips, pastas, chicken dishes and seafood,—you name it! Because garlic is such a flavorful and very healthy ingredient, you probably want to use it in many meals you cook up. However, peeling it can be tedious (and take up valuable cooking time) if you don't know the right tricks.

One of the easiest ways to peel garlic is by shaking it out of the shell. This can be done with the help of two bowls. Place the garlic into one bowl and cover it with the other bowl. Shake the two bowls vigorously to dislodge the garlic from its paper-y skin. If it's a very noisy process, you're doing it right!

You can also microwave the garlic for 20 seconds to remove its skin. This should make it easier to remove. If the microwave method isn't for you, try dry-roasting the garlic in a skillet. This should char the skin of the garlic, making the peels slip off more easily. Of all the methods, this is by far the most aromatic!

You can also smash the garlic with a knife. Place the garlic beneath your knife and firmly press on it with your palms

Watch the video above to learn five fast and easy ways to peel garlic! Then, check out the slideshow below to learn 7 reasons you should be eating it!

Image Credit: The Washington Post