This easy garlic confit turns simple garlic cloves into tender, sweet bites. Just cook them slowly in olive oil, and you get a tasty treat that’s perfect for spreading or adding to dishes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Cloves: You’ll need about 4-5 heads of garlic for this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use roasted garlic instead, which gives a sweeter taste. You can also use a jar of pre-peeled garlic for convenience!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for how it enhances the flavor. However, if you want a lighter option, feel free to use a light olive oil or other neutral oils like avocado oil. Just remember, the oil will take on the garlic’s flavor.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a nice touch, but you can skip them if they’re not available. Alternatively, try using dried herbs or even crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat!
How Do I Cook the Garlic Without Burning It?
The key to perfect garlic confit is cooking the cloves slowly in oil. This method creates tender, golden garlic without the bitterness that comes from high heat.
- Use low heat, either on the stove or in the oven, for gentle cooking.
- Keep an eye on the garlic after about 30 minutes; you’re looking for a soft texture and light golden color.
- Remember, if it starts to brown, turn down the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Once it’s done, let the garlic cool before storing. The oil will be packed with flavor, so don’t throw it away! Use it in your cooking, salad dressings, or as a dip.
Easy Garlic Confit
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups garlic cloves (about 4-5 heads of garlic), peeled
- 1 ½ to 2 cups extra virgin olive oil (enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. After that, you’ll need to allow the garlic to cool before storing, so set aside a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this flavorful garlic confit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You can do this easily by separating the cloves from the bulb and giving them a gentle smash with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skins. Once peeled, place the garlic cloves in a small saucepan or oven-safe dish.
2. Add the Olive Oil:
Pour enough olive oil over the garlic cloves so that they are completely submerged. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that wonderful flavor from the oil.
3. Season if Desired:
If you want to enhance the flavor a bit more, add your fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) and optional salt to the pot. These will infuse the garlic and oil while cooking.
4. Cooking Time:
Now it’s time to cook! Place the saucepan on the stove over very low heat, or arrange your oven to 225°F (107°C). If you’re using the stove, keep a close eye on it to ensure the garlic doesn’t brown.
5. Monitor Cooking Process:
Let the garlic gently cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You want the cloves to become soft and golden, but without turning brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking if you’re using a pan on the stove.
6. Cool and Store:
Once your garlic is perfectly cooked, remove it from heat and allow it to cool in the oil. After cooling, pour the garlic and oil into a clean jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can keep for up to two weeks!
7. Enjoy Your Garlic Confit:
Now for the fun part! You can use your garlic confit as a spread on bread, mix it into dressings, add it to sauces, or incorporate it into any dish where you desire a mellow garlic flavor. The infused olive oil is also perfect for drizzling over meals for added richness.
Enjoy this easy-to-make garlic confit that turns simple garlic into a culinary delight, perfect for beginners!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Pre-Peeled Garlic?
Absolutely! Using pre-peeled garlic can save you time and effort. Just make sure it’s fresh and not previously frozen for the best flavor.
How Should I Store Garlic Confit?
Store your garlic confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Just make sure the garlic is always submerged in the oil to prevent spoilage.
Can I Use Different Oils for Garlic Confit?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of oil! Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, but feel free to use light olive oil or even avocado oil for a milder taste, keeping in mind that flavor will vary.
What’s the Best Way to Use Garlic Confit?
Garlic confit is incredibly versatile! You can spread it on toast, mix it into sauces, add it to dressings, toss it with pasta, or even use the infused oil for cooking. It adds a rich, mellow garlic flavor to any dish!
