Homemade Ginger-Garlic Paste

Ginger-Garlic paste, like Masala powder is a must in Indian cooking. I cannot imagine a dish without ginger and garlic, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Having the paste handy will save you time on peeling, chopping and mincing. I don't bother much making this at home as I don't mind using the readymade ones from stores.They are equally good.

Common Concern about the greenish hue the "Homemade Ginger-Garlic Paste" develops over time: I did a Google search and found this here:

1. If fresh garlic is picked before it is fully mature and hasn't been properly dried, it can turn and iridescent blue or green color when in the presence of an acid- in this case, the oils of the ginger.

2. A reaction between garlic's natural sulfur content and any copper in your water supply, or in the cooking utensils your are using (such as cast iron, tin, or aluminum) can sometimes change the color of garlic.

3. Garlic will also turn green (develop chlorophyll) if exposed to an temperature change or is exposed to sunlight. Some people say it can be stored for 32 days at or above 70 - 80° F to prevent greening.

4. Are you using table salt instead of kosher or canning salt? That can cause the garlic to turn blue or green. Table salt contains iodine, which discolors whatever you're pickling/preserving. Use kosher or pickling salt.

Don't worry, greenish-blue color changes aren't harmful and your garlic is still safe to eat. (unless you see other signs of spoilage- mold, odor).

Ginger/Garlic paste can be frozen in small portions and  thawed right before using it.

Ingredients (Yields ~14 Oz/ 1-3/4 Cups):

• 4 head Garlic
• Palm-sized Ginger
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp White wine vinegar
• 1 (Heaped)Tsp Salt, Kosher or Pickling Salt ideal

Procedure:

• Peel the Garlic. Wash and Peel Ginger. It doesn't have to be perfectly peeled. Pat it with paper towel to remove all traces of water. It doesn't have to be perfectly peeled.

• Roughly chop the ginger and add both the ginger and garlic to the blender. Add the oil, vinegar and salt. The Oil, Vinegar and Salt act as preservatives.

• Blend it to a smooth paste.Make sure the blender jar is dry. 

• Scoop it from the blender using a dry spoon and fill a dry air-tight container. Store it in the coldest part of the fridge. Never keep it at room temperature.Shelf life is upto 6-8 weeks. Freeze to extend the shelf life. Always use dry spoon to retrieve the paste.

Some Recipes using Ginger-Garlic paste:
Baked Tandoori Chicken:

Healthy Kadai Paneer:

Crispy Baked "Masala" Chicken:

Enjoy!
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