Garlic is a type of bulbous flowering plant in the onion family that is prized for its distinctive pungent and fragrant flavor. It is as essential to Asian cooking as mire poix is to French cooking. It is often harder to find a savory recipe without garlic than one with. Garlic has an unmistakable flavor that is without substitute. It is distinctive, spicy, and incredibly pungent when raw and becomes mellow, sweet, and subtle when cooked.
Uses: Toss garlic with oil, wrap with aluminum foil, and roast in a 350F oven for 45 minutes to make a delicious spread. Mince raw garlic and mix it with soy sauce, fish sauce, and a dash of yuzu for a delicious dipping sauce. Mix crushed garlic with herbs in melted butter to baste your roasted meats such as steaks, pork chops, and chicken.