How to Mince Garlic

1. Stage

Separate the cloves: Peel away the papery skin of the head of garlic and separate it into cloves.

2. Stage

Smash the clove: Place a clove on its side on a flat surface. Use the broad side of your knife with the sharp side pointed away from you and lay it flat over the clove. Press down firmly on the flat side of the knife in a quick motion to smash the garlic clove, breaking open the skin. (See more here about this garlic technique.)

3. Stage

Peel: Remove the outer skin from the clove. 

4. Stage

Trim the clove: Trim the dark end, hard end of the clove.

5. Stage

Slice: Thinly slice the garlic clove.

6. Stage

Mince: Keep the front portion of the knife in contact with the cutting board and place your hand on the top of the blade to steady it. Fan the back portion of the knife back and forth over the garlic until it is finely chopped.