Garlic Confit
Garlic Confit is plump cloves of garlic gently simmered in aromatic olive oil until they reach a state of sublime tenderness. I’m excited to share with you This simple yet transformative technique that takes ordinary garlic cloves and elevates them to a realm of buttery, mellow goodness.
Join me as I walk you through the steps of creating this irresistible condiment that will not only enhance your dishes but also add a touch of gourmet flair to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of Garlic Confit together!
One amazing way to use up Garlic Confit is in Easy Oil-Free Roasted Garlic Hummus by the VegeVega.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients for Garlic Confit
Garlic Confit Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small baking dish. Ensure the dish is deep enough to hold the garlic and olive oil.
- Pour in enough olive oil to completely submerge the garlic.
- Add the thyme, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt to the dish.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the garlic is soft and golden.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow the garlic and oil mixture to cool completely.
- After cooling, transfer the garlic confit (garlic and oil) to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose Fresh Garlic: Select firm, fresh garlic bulbs with no signs of sprouting or soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
- Peel the Garlic: Before confitting, peel the garlic cloves to remove the papery skin. You can easily do this by pressing down on each clove with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin.
- Use High-Quality Oil: Opt for a neutral-flavored oil such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, as they will complement the flavor of the garlic without overpowering it. Make sure your oil is fresh and of good quality for the best results.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Confitting requires cooking the garlic cloves slowly over low heat to gently infuse them with the oil. This slow cooking process helps develop the garlic’s flavor and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t Let it Boil: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking to ensure the oil doesn’t come to a boil. Boiling can cause the garlic to become bitter and compromise the flavor of the confit.
- Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of your garlic confit by adding aromatic herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, or black peppercorns to the oil while it simmers.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow the garlic to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight container for storage in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Use in Various Dishes: Get creative with how you use your garlic confit! Spread it on toasted bread, toss it with pasta, stir it into mashed potatoes, or use it as a base for salad dressings and marinades. The possibilities are endless!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations by adding ingredients like lemon zest, chili flakes, or balsamic vinegar to customize your garlic confit to suit your taste preferences.
- Store Properly: Store your garlic confit in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks for optimal flavor and quality. Make sure the cloves are fully submerged in oil to prevent spoilage.
FAQs about Garlic Confit
More Recipes
Garlic Confit
Yield:
2 cups
Garlic Confit is plump cloves of garlic gently simmered in aromatic olive oil until they reach a state of sublime tenderness. I’m excited to share with you This simple yet transformative technique that takes ordinary garlic cloves and elevates them to a realm of buttery, mellow goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 heads of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 2 cups olive oil
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small baking dish. Ensure the dish is deep enough to hold the garlic and olive oil.
- Pour in enough olive oil to completely submerge the garlic.
- Add the thyme, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt to the dish.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the garlic is soft and golden.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow the garlic and oil mixture to cool completely.
- After cooling, transfer the garlic confit (garlic and oil) to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- The soft, sweet garlic cloves can be spread on toasted bread, mashed into potatoes, or tossed into pasta dishes. The infused oil is excellent in cooking, salad dressings, or drizzled over bread.
- Be mindful not to overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter. The low and slow cooking process should yield perfectly sweet and tender cloves.
- Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- For an added kick, consider adding a few dried chili peppers to the oil.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 201Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
