Homemade Garlic Seasoning
The magic of cooking lies in the perfect combination of ingredients, and garlic is a star seasoning that elevates the flavor of any dish. What better way to make the most of garlic than by making your own homemade garlic seasoning? In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through a simple process to create a versatile garlic seasoning that you can use in a variety of dishes. Let’s boost your recipes with the unmistakable flavor of garlic!
Ingredients:
1 cup peeled garlic
1 cup coarse sea salt
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup dehydrated onion flakes
1/4 cup ground black pepper
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
- Garlic Preparation:
Peeling the Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You can use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
Drying the Garlic:
Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven at a low temperature (around 60°C) for 2-3 hours. This will remove the moisture from the garlic.
Crushing the Garlic:
Crush the dried garlic cloves in a food processor until you get a fine powder. This step will intensify the flavor of the garlic. - Prepare the Base Mix:
Salt and Parsley:
In a large bowl, mix the coarse sea salt with the finely chopped fresh parsley. The combination of salt and parsley will add a crunchy texture and a fresh aroma to the seasoning.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir the dehydrated onion flakes, ground black pepper, chives, thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary into the mixture. These dry ingredients will provide layers of complementary flavors.
Stir in Crushed Garlic:
Add the crushed garlic to the mixture. This will be the aromatic heart of your garlic seasoning.
Optional: Spicy Touch:
If you want a seasoning with a spicy touch, add crushed red pepper to the mixture. Adjust the amount according to your preferred level of spiciness. - Mix and Store:
Mix Evenly:
Mix all ingredients evenly. Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Storage:
Transfer your homemade garlic seasoning into airtight jars for storage. A cool, dark place will help maintain freshness and flavor.
- Homemade Garlic Seasoning Applications:
Meat Seasoning:
Sprinkle the seasoning on meats before grilling or marinating for a delicious garlicky kick.
Vegetable Enhancer:
Use it to enhance the flavor of roasted, sautéed, or steamed vegetables.
Sauce Enhancer:
Add a teaspoon or two to your homemade sauces to intensify the flavor.
Bread Seasoning:
Mix with butter and use as a topping for bread or toast.
Oil Flavoring:
Mix with olive oil to create a flavored oil perfect for dressings and marinades. - Additional Tips:
Adjust Salt:
If you prefer a seasoning with less salt, reduce the amount according to your personal taste.
Experiment with Herbs:
Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs of your choice to customize the flavor profile.
Proper Storage:
Store the seasoning in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness. Refrigeration is not necessary, but a dark location will help preserve the flavors.
Shelf Life:
This homemade garlic seasoning can keep for several months if stored properly.
- Conclusion:
Making your own homemade garlic seasoning not only gives you complete control over the ingredients, but it also allows you to customize the flavor according to your preferences. This versatile seasoning can transform simple dishes into exciting culinary creations. Go ahead and explore the world of garlic with this recipe and enjoy the flavor power it will bring to your everyday meals!