How do you bruise cloves of garlic?

To bruise cloves of garlic, place a clove on a cutting board and use the flat side of a chef's knife to press down firmly until the clove cracks. This releases the essential oils and enhances the flavor when cooking. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to gently crush the garlic. Bruised garlic can be sautéed, roasted, or used in marinades for added depth of flavor.