What Is Garlic Powder?

Garlic powder is a spice that is derived from dehydrated garlic and used in cooking for flavor enhancement. The process of making garlic powder includes drying and dehydrating the vegetable, then powdering it through machinery or home-based appliances depending on the scale of production. Garlic powder is a common component of spice mix. It is also a common component of seasoned salt.

Culinary Use

Powdered garlic can also be added to your favorite curries and stews. Garlic works well with just about all types of curry powder, from mild to hot. It also works well with chili and other spices. Make your own spice blend and experiment to see what you enjoy the most. You can then add your custom blend to curries.

You could add a sprinkling of powdered garlic to oven-baked roast vegetables to maximize flavor quickly and simply. Another option is to make healthy chips. Thinly slice potato or sweet potato or cut your favorite potato into wedges and bake in the oven. Add a sprinkling of powder along with some dried rosemary or dried parsley when they are about halfway cooked.

While freshly chopped or crushed garlic works equally well in a wide range of pasta sauces, the powdered version can often be faster and easier. Sauces that work especially well with garlic include tomato-based sauces, homemade pesto, white sauces, and even cheese sauces. The trick with pasta sauce is to use garlic sparingly. Add too much and you might lose the subtle balance of flavors needed in a good sauce.