15-Aug-2010

Gung-Ho for Garlic

The King of Herbs

Garlic is one of the most ancient remedies in the history of humankind. A potent herb revered by many cultures, garlic is used traditionally for bringing good luck and long life as well as curing the common cold. Used as a medicine and a food, garlic has been used as an effective treatment for digestive disorders, high blood pressure and immune strength. No wonder it has been called the king of the vegetable world!

When shopping for fresh garlic, look for garlic bulbs that are firm and plump all around (a bulb is the size of a small onion, with lots of little parts—or cloves-- under the papery skin.) To peel, first remove the outermost skins. Separate the cloves and discard the inner stem. Put the cloves on your chopping board. Use the broad side of a large chopping knife to smash the cloves and loosen the skins. Remove skins and cut off tough ends. Chop a large quantity of garlic in a food processor and mix with olive oil to store in the refrigerator. For longer storage, place in small freezer bags.

This garlic lover’s treat retains the benefits of semi-raw garlic’s healing properties and tastes yummy! (Prepare an extra sandwich for your nearest companion as two people eating garlic are not bothered by the smell.)

Cheesy Garlic Toast
Recipe by Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D

Chop a whole bulb of garlic. Lightly toast two slices of bread. Layer slices of cheese and garlic on the toast. Cover with the second piece of toast, wrap in aluminum foil and bake in a toaster oven at 375 degrees until the cheese is melted (about 15 minutes). The garlic should not be cooked all the way. The cheese helps take the bite out of the garlic. Even though it’s very cheesy, somehow all that garlic balances it out! You can also add a slice of tomato and fresh basil leaves, pesto or slices of onion for variation.

Siri Ved Kaur Khalsa
Author of From Vegetables, With Love
Blog: Breath by Breath
Recommended Read: Kundalini Yoga by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa