Boiling garlic in milk isn't a standalone culinary practice; it's a technique used within various recipes and traditional remedies. The reason for boiling garlic in milk depends entirely on the context. Let's explore the common reasons:
1. Infusing Milk with Garlic Flavor:
Many recipes call for infusing milk with garlic to create a creamy, savory base for dishes like mashed potatoes or soups. Boiling gently allows the garlic's flavor compounds to infuse into the milk, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. As noted in several sources, this technique is used to improve the flavor profile of mashed potatoes [Love and Lemons, Food.com, Allrecipes]. A similar process is used to create garlic milk, where the milk is heated until just boiling, then removed from the heat and allowed to steep with the garlic [r/Cooking]. This method is preferred to avoid burning the garlic and imparting a bitter taste.
2. Traditional Medicine and Remedies:
In some traditional medicine practices, boiling garlic in milk is believed to offer various health benefits. Sources mention garlic milk as a remedy for coughs, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, cholesterol, and even infertility [Times of India, ToneOp]. The rationale behind this use stems from the purported medicinal properties of both garlic (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial) and milk (soothing). It's crucial to remember that these claims often lack robust scientific backing and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
3. Softening Garlic for Easier Handling:
Boiling garlic briefly in milk can also be a preparatory step, softening the cloves for easier mashing or pureeing in recipes. The heat helps break down the garlic's cell walls, making it more palatable. This technique may be used in the preparation for foods requiring pureed garlic or a less intense garlic flavour, preventing harshness.
Conclusion:
Boiling garlic in milk serves multiple purposes depending on the intended use. The primary reasons are flavor infusion for culinary applications and traditional medicinal purposes (though scientific evidence for these benefits remains limited). Careful consideration of the desired outcome should guide the technique and duration of boiling.
