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Garlic is a culinary treasure that enhances the texture and flavour of dishes across various cuisines, be it Chinese, Indian, or others. Its pungent aroma and rich, slightly spicy taste add depth to savoury creations. However, during the 9-day fasting period of Navratri, many individuals abstain from consuming garlic and onions for religious reasons. With Navratri commencing on October 15th, here are five delectable recipes featuring garlic, allowing you to relish its unique essence before you switch to no-onion-garlic foods, all while savouring a final burst of garlicky goodness.
Garlic Naan: Garlic naan is a popular Indian bread known for its soft texture and aromatic garlic flavour. Made by adding minced garlic and fresh herbs to the dough, it's traditionally baked in a tandoor oven or a hot tawa, resulting in a delightful accompaniment for curries and other Indian dishes.
Recipe: To make garlic naan, combine all-purpose flour, yoghurt, yeast, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough, then let it rise. Divide the dough into portions, roll them out, brush with a garlic-infused butter mixture, and cook until puffed and golden. The result is a flavourful, soft, and aromatic flatbread that pairs perfectly with your favourite curries.
Garlic Dal: Garlic dal is a comforting lentil dish, known for its earthy and aromatic flavours. It involves cooking lentils with a blend of spices, garlic, and chopped tomatoes, creating a hearty and flavourful dish that pairs well with rice or bread.
Recipe: To prepare garlic dal, boil lentils, typically yellow or red, until soft. In a separate pan, temper cumin seeds, garlic, and spices. Add tomatoes and cooked lentils to the tempering, allowing the flavours to meld. The result is a hearty, aromatic dal that's both nutritious and delicious.
Garlic Chicken Curry: Chicken curry with garlic is a delicious Indian recipe that combines the tenderness of chicken with the depth of garlic flavour. This dish is a favourite with meat lovers because of the richness of flavour that the garlic brings to the curry.
Recipe: To make this mouthwatering dish, start by marinating chicken pieces in a blend of yoghurt, spices, and minced garlic. In a pan, sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then add the marinated chicken and cook until tender. Finish with a garnish of fresh coriander. This results in a robust and aromatic garlic-infused chicken curry, a delightful pre-Navratri treat.
Lehsuni Palak: Delicious Indian spinach meal with a strong garlic flavour; it's called Lehsuni Palak. This recipe, with its balanced combination of earthy spinach and aromatic garlic, is ideal for eating before switching to the onion- and garlic foods of Navratri.
Recipe: Begin by blanching fresh spinach leaves, then blend them into a smooth puree. In a pan, sauté garlic and spices, then add the spinach puree and cook to perfection. Finish with a dollop of cream and a tadka of cumin seeds. The vibrant, garlicky spinach delight perfectly complements your meals.
Garlic Mushroom: Garlic mushrooms are a delectable dish where tender mushrooms are sautéed with a generous amount of garlic, creating a rich and savoury flavour.
Recipe: To make garlic mushrooms, start by cleaning and slicing fresh mushrooms. In a pan, sauté minced garlic in butter or olive oil, then add the mushrooms and cook until they're golden and tender. Season with herbs like thyme and parsley, and serve as a delightful appetizer or side dish. The flavorful and aromatic mushroom is a true crowd-pleaser.
Lehsun Ki Chutney: Lehsun ki chutney, often known as garlic chutney, is a hot condiment common in Indian cooking. It has a strong garlic flavour and a pungent heat. It's a condiment that goes with just about anything and adds a zing of flavour.
Recipe: To prepare this chutney, start by roasting peeled garlic cloves until they're aromatic and slightly browned. Blend them with whole dried red chillies, salt, and a touch of lemon juice, adding just enough water to achieve the desired consistency. This creates a fiery and flavorful garlic chutney that adds a spicy dimension to your meals.
