There’s nothing worse than gearing up to make dinner when you realize you need garlic - you bought some but it's still neatly wrapped in its bulb. I hear your sighs and I have your solution - homemade garlic paste. What is garlic paste? It’s simply blended garlic and oil made in a blender or food processor. I love making garlic paste at the beginning of a busy week to keep in the fridge so that when I need it, it’s ready to use in my favorite recipes.
Garlic is also one of those foods that are delicious and nutritious. It contains antioxidants, has the potential to boost your immune system, and can lower blood pressure.
Recipe Ingredients
2 cups garlic cloves, peeled
3 tablespoon Avocado oil
½ teaspoon salt (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the garlic cloves and avocado oil to a food processor. Put the lid on the food processor and turn it to high.
Step 2: Run the food processor for a few minutes until the garlic paste reaches your desired consistency. It usually takes 2-3 minutes to make a smooth garlic paste. You may need to pause the food processor and scrape down the sides periodically.
Step 3: Once your desired consistency is reached, add the salt (if desired) and process for another 15-20 seconds to combine.
Step 4: Place in a jar and enjoy!
How To Use Garlic Paste
Use garlic paste for any recipe that calls for garlic. Garlic paste has a ton of flavor and is so easy to make and store in the fridge for everyday use. Here are a few dishes I love to mix garlic paste into:
- Mashed potatoes
- Vegetables
- Pasta and pasta sauces
- Soups
- Casseroles
- Hummus
- Eggs
Garlic Paste FAQs
Can I Make Garlic Paste Without A Blender?
- To make homemade garlic paste you will need either a blender or a food processor.
Can Garlic Paste Be Used As A Substitution For Regular Garlic?
- You can use garlic paste as a substitute for regular garlic, yes!
Does Garlic Paste Have A Strong Taste?
- When served raw, it has a very strong taste. When using garlic paste for the first time in a recipe, start with a small amount and work your way up to get your desired garlic flavor.
Why Did My Garlic Paste Turn Out Watery?
- If you use too much oil or water in your garlic paste it can turn out watery. Stick to this recipe and only use 3 tablespoons of avocado oil (you can also use olive oil) for every 2 cups of garlic cloves.
Expert Tips
- For projects like this, I recommend purchasing packages of pre-peeled garlic cloves. They can be found in the refrigerated aisle of the produce section of your grocery store.
- For the size of your food processor for this recipe, I recommend a 4½ cup bowl instead of a larger size (the 12 and 9-cup bowl sizes may be too big to grind your garlic into garlic paste). If you only have a large food processor, you will need to add a lot more garlic cloves in order to provide enough friction to make garlic paste.
- This is very strong when served raw, so use sparingly. It is also great for keeping in the fridge as a base for any cooking you may be doing!
Storage Instructions
If garlic is not stored properly it can lead to botulism. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days. You can also freeze it in an air-tight container or an ice cube tray for up to 4 months.
More garlic recipes:
Homemade Lebanese Garlic Sauce

Garlic Paste
Ingredients
- 2 cups garlic cloves (peeled)
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add the garlic cloves and avocado oil to a food processor. Put the lid on the food processor and turn it to high.
- Run the food processor for a few minutes until the garlic paste reaches your desired consistency. It usually takes 2-3 minutes to make a smooth garlic paste. You may need to pause the food processor and scrape down the sides periodically.
- Once your desired consistency is reached, add the salt (if desired) and process for another 15-20 seconds to combine.
- Place in a jar and enjoy!
Notes
- For projects like this, I recommend purchasing packages of pre-peeled garlic cloves. They can be found in the refrigerated aisle of the produce section of your grocery store.
- For the size of your food processor for this recipe, I recommend a 4½ cup bowl instead of a larger size (the 12 and 9-cup bowl sizes may be too big to grind your garlic into garlic paste). If you only have a large food processor, you will need to add a lot more garlic cloves in order to provide enough friction to make garlic paste.
- This is very strong when served raw, so use sparingly. It is also great for keeping in the fridge as a base for any cooking you may be doing!
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