Garlic has been used for many centuries worldwide, not only as a food but sometimes for medicinal purposes. If you are the type of person that spends a lot of time in the kitchen, you probably use garlic to give your foods a distinct flavor. However, when you add too much, it can make your dish very bitter. No worries, though; we’ve gathered the best tips for this situation. Read on if you wonder how to fix too much garlic in food.
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Health benefits of garlic
Why should you include garlic in your diet? Not only does it taste great, but it is also a natural antibiotic. Its health benefits range from decreasing the risk of heart disease to protection against certain medical conditions. Here are some of them:
1. Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation plays a significant role in causing heart attacks and strokes and contributing to high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis pain. Conversely, people who regularly consume garlic have lower rates of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
2. Garlic improves blood circulation
Garlic is beneficial for reducing the risk of certain diseases by improving blood circulation. For example, a study conducted in 2017 showed that people who consumed garlic regularly experienced a 50% improvement in their blood circulation levels and concluded that garlic powder might potentially be used for short-term treatments against heart disease.
3. Garlic contains antibacterial properties
Garlic contains allicin, an organic compound shown to have antibacterial properties. Allicin is created when garlic cells are crushed or chopped, and it can be found in the juice of the garlic clove. The antibacterial effect of allicin has also been well documented scientifically.
Can you eat too much garlic?
Yes — you can. Although most of these issues are uncommon or not serious enough, there are some side effects of eating too much garlic.
- Digestive issues — Garlic can cause digestive problems, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Bloating and diarrhea are symptoms that can be expected.
- Increased bleeding — Although this is relatively uncommon, consuming too much garlic can increase the risk of bleeding. This is because garlic contains antithrombotic agents, which prevent blood clots.
Tips to fix too much garlic in food
Garlic is a great flavor enhancer and can be used in many dishes. However, if you add too much garlic to your food, it can become overpowering and unpleasant. This is a common problem for people who generously use garlic on their dishes, as it can be hard to add just enough of it. No need to worry, though, as there are several ways to fix too much garlic.
1. Add onion
Onion, similar to garlic, is used in many foods to enhance flavor. It also resembles garlic in that it is a potent and concentrated flavor. This trick is useful because onions go well with many different dishes, so you don’t have to worry about spoiling the taste of your food. You can add onion to balance garlic in foods like soups, stews, and stir-fries. However, keep in mind that garlic and onion, when paired in a high quantity, have the potential to make your food strong. Opt for other choices if you think you don’t have the stomach for it.
2. Add herbs
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, cilantro, and parsley would do a great job countering too much garlic. Keep in mind that adding too many herbs can make your food taste bitter, so go for a minimal approach and use these herbs in moderation. It is also advised to choose one or two herbs maximum to keep your dish tasty. If you are feeling spicy, try experimenting with different aromatic herbs.
3. Add acidic ingredients
Adding acidic ingredients to counter too much garlic is a common practice. Vinegar, lime juice, and lemon are the most popular choices. Choose the one that you think is the best for your dish. Only add enough and not more than necessary, or you might end up with a sour dish in your hands. This option is not ideal for many foods; but it's usually great for salads.
4. Sweeten the taste
You can also opt for using sweeteners to counter too much garlic. Honey, maple syrup, and sugar might be the ones you need for this. You can even try different citrus juices. If you are concerned about your weight, brown sugar is a great alternative, as it is low on calories. The sweet flavor balances garlic’s harsh and bitter taste in your food. Again, you should be careful not to add too much sweetener.
5. Dilute it
Diluting your dish is a great way to make it more flavorful, even without a garlic problem on your hands. You can use water, broth, wine, or any other liquid to add flavor and moisture to your dish. The added juice will counter the bitter taste of garlic. Another way to do this is to make another batch of the same dish and then mix the two. However, you may end up with more than you need!
6. Heat it up
If you don’t have access to other ingredients, overcooking your food is a great option to counter too much garlic. The thing about garlic that you might not know, is that it only tastes strong if it is undercooked or raw. Increase the temperature to more than 140 degrees (F) and let your food cook slowly. Keep an eye on it so that it won’t burn. After it’s cooked, you will have successfully balanced the strong flavor of garlic.
7. Cream it
Adding cream might not be the best option for most dishes, but you can still try it with pasta, chicken, potatoes, or sauces. If you are lactose intolerant, disregard this and opt for other options. You can also try coconut milk to experiment with different ingredients. This is similar to diluting your food, but this time with other ingredients that will give your dish a distinct flavor.
8. Remove the garlic
If you added garlic in large chunks or large cloves, you always have the option of simply removing some of them. Take a bite of your food and see if you added too much garlic. If that is the case, get a spoon and remove just enough to counter the strong taste of garlic. However, this is a limited option because if you use garlic powder or blended garlic, you need to opt for different methods.
Final thoughts
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and tastes good; if you love to cook, there is a good chance that you use garlic regularly. However, adding just the right amount of garlic might be challenging, as your food might become bitter with the overpowering taste of garlic. Nevertheless, there are some tips that might come in handy. You can always add different ingredients to counter too much garlic in your food. Onions, aromatic herbs, cream, and sweeteners are good choices. You can also try to dilute it with different methods, either by using a liquid or making another batch and mixing the two.
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