Garlic Powder 101: 5 Versatile Ways To Enhance Your Cooking

Garlic powder is made from finely chopped, dried garlic. It is not to be confused with garlic salt, which is a mixture of table salt and garlic powder. Stores carry this item in the spice section. Some cooks suggest using it in place of fresh garlic. While some cooks find the flavour appealing, they also observe that it is not as strong as raw garlic and has a slight sweetness. Cooks can use powdered garlic instead of fresh garlic if fresh garlic is unavailable, however the taste may change significantly.

Read more: 7 Ways To Use Roasted Garlic Creatively In Your Recipes

Customers may find extra ingredients, particularly in generic and powdered garlic that is made by large spice companies. Consumers must closely examine the preservatives that companies apply to powder to maintain its fresh appearance, as this may be a sign of inferior quality dried garlic. Customers who are concerned about additives might choose to explore their local natural food stores for organic products. Just read the label on the back to find out what's in the powder. A humectant, such as calcium silicate, is used in certain formulations to avoid powder clumping. 

Garlic Powder Vs. Garlic Salt

Garlic salt is often flaky kosher salt combined with granules of dehydrated garlic, whereas garlic powder is just dried and crushed garlic bulbs. In contrast to the pungency of fresh garlic, garlic powder delivers a mellow garlicky taste that may be used extensively in soups, stews, curries, marinades, and dips.

Garlic salt is not as versatile as garlic powder. When you use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, you may adjust the taste profile of your cuisine without having to use excessive or insufficient amounts of garlic.

Garlic Powder Uses

The following are the common applications of garlic powder:

Pickles

Pickles from India have always been among the most beloved and popular traditional condiments. Not one Indian household is without a unique "family pickle" recipe that has been handed down through the years. And garlic is one of the key ingredients in most of these dishes.

Noodles

You may add a Chinese twist to your desi noodles by adding a dash of garlic powder. You may add it while cooking or sprinkle it on after. The meal has a real Chinese taste from the garlic powder's instant absorption and the delightful scent, which also offers the classic noodles a fascinating twist.

Chutneys

The Indian counterparts of Western sauces and condiments are called chutneys. Chutneys, on the other hand, have fewer ingredients and are usually consumed fresh, but some types may also be preserved. In Indian food, which is renowned for its tantalising scent and capacity to cause perspiration on the tongue, garlic also plays a big part.

Spice Blends

Many Indian dishes, such as sambhar and rajma, require different spice blends. Garlic powder is one of the main constituents of many ready-to-use spice mixes, such as those for fish or chicken curries, which make cooking easier for modern cooks. Garlic powder is added to the spice mix to improve its taste and aroma.

Make Sauces

Increase the flavour of your sauce by including garlic powder among the components. The addition of garlic powder to the sauce will enhance its flavour and fragrance. The exquisite fragrance will ultimately give the meal and the sauce a unique "freshness."