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Need microplane/garlic technique help

11 years ago

Many times I've read here that a good way to get minced garlic is to shred it on a microplane. I tried it and was pleased with the results. However, I had to throw away half of each clove of garlic, or risk cutting myself. Is there some technique to microplaning garlic to use all or nearly all of the clove?

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Comments (10)

lindac
11 years ago
You need one of these.

Here is a link that might be useful: grater attachment
bbstx
Original Author
11 years ago
That explains a lot. My microplane is much more basic. There is no attachment for grating.
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Like Ann, I am a microplane fan. However, I have the same problem as Jeri: I've tried the microplane method, and while I like the ease and the results, I can't use the whole clove because I'm holding it and my fingers would be injured. Do you have this problem too? I've seen microplans with little boxes on them for holding small things - but that somehow feels like it would be more work. I did buy a microplane with the little box on it but guess what, you STILL have a little piece left at the end! I gave it away! My current bent is to just crush the darn clove and chop with a knife. No, it's not as fine and perfect as the microplane or as this ultra cool gadget would produce. But I've already got the knife in my hand and it's just a few extra cuts. And you know, it comes out good enough for my purposes. By the way, I gave up on garlic presses long ago. I never could get one to come out clean. I am definitely intrigued by this gadget and WOULD get one but I am going to be strong and keep doing it manually. I don't need any more stuff in my drawers! LOL
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foodonastump
11 years ago
I have the rasp style, like you except with a handle, and because it's so fine I don't find it dangerously sharp even when brand new. I just hold the garlic such that I can get it down to a small chunk, and then for the last swipe or two I push it with just my index finger. Don't worry, you won't cut yourself, but do keep your nails away! Yes, some gets wasted, but nowhere near half a clove.
centralcacyclist
11 years ago
I don't have an attachment. I grate a clove down to a small numb, like FOAS, which I usually just toss into the mix.

E
bbstx
Original Author
11 years ago
If I hadn't taken a chunk out of my knuckle with the mandolin last year, I might be a little braver about grating down to a small nub. But I've turned really skittish since then.
donna_loomis
11 years ago
bbstx, I took a slice of my thumb out with my new mandoline earlier this year - I know exactly how you feel.

If you use grated garlic a lot, I think you should pick up a new microplane with the attachment.
centralcacyclist
11 years ago
I've never had a mandoline. Maybe I don't need one.
Olychick
11 years ago
I bought one of these to use with my mandoline - I should have said in the cooking phobias thread that I am paranoid about slicing my fingers while cooking.

Here is a link that might be useful: mesh glove
lbpod
11 years ago
WOW, this splains why I am finding fingernails in my
pusgetti sauce. I'll have to tell Mother. Thanks.
bbstx
Original Author
11 years ago
I have posted this picture before as a cautionary tale.

That is the compression bandage the doc had to put on my finger to try to staunch the bleeding so he could see exactly what I had done to myself. If it looks a little odd, it is because it was done at his home instead of his office. He's a neighbor and it was late on a Saturday afternoon.

Yes, I thought I didn't need the guard and I could just be really really careful.

Thanks for the glove link. I want one for my mandoline...to use in addition to the guard.

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