Garlic might be the official Jewish love potion, so it’s a perfect ingredient to feature in a recipe for the Jewish Day of Love, Tu B’Av (the 15th of the month of Av).

Garlic Baked Chicken Schnitzel with Za’atar Garlic Sauce offers up a triple serving of the ingredient that has been called the most Jewish of aphrodisiacs.

This year, the holiday begins at sunset on July 28 and concludes at nightfall on July 29. It is celebrated as a Jewish Valentine’s Day and a day of joy. In ancient times, it had a matchmaking focus.

The Talmud advises including garlic on the Shabbat dinner menu to foster a romantic mood between husbands and wives. Jewish sages claimed garlic instilled love, gladdened the heart, eliminated jealousy and increased male fertility.

Modern science supports this since, when garlic is chopped or crushed, it releases allicin, a compound that has the potential to boost blood flow and possibly libido in men and women.

Plus garlic might be good for what ails you. Research by Israeli medical researchers, including those from the Hadassah Medical Organization’s School of Dental Medicine, have found that allicin has strong antibacterial effects.  So enjoy all its benefits in this chicken dish.

Garlic Baked Chicken Schnitzel with Za’atar Garlic Sauce Serves 4

1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 tsp. salt, divided 1 tsp. minced fresh........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)