This easy garlic confit lets you enjoy sweet and tender garlic anytime! Just simmer whole garlic cloves in olive oil until they’re soft and delicious.
You can spread this creamy goodness on bread or add it to your favorite dishes. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing! 💃
I love keeping a jar of this in my fridge. It’s so handy! Just a spoonful adds amazing flavor to pasta or roasted veggies—quick and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here. If you’re in a pinch, peeled garlic from a jar works too, but fresh gives a nicer flavor! Don’t skip peeling; you want that tender sweetness.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds the best flavor, but any light oil works. If you want to make this a bit healthier, you could use a blend of olive oil and a lighter oil like avocado oil.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are great for extra aroma. If you don’t have them, dried herbs can be used, or you can simply skip this step for a cleaner garlic flavor. I love fresh for that pop!
Salt: It’s optional, but it does enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to reduce the salt or omit it entirely if you’re cutting back and let the garlic shine!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Garlic Confit?
Making garlic confit is simpler than you think, but attention to heat is key! You want the garlic to cook slowly, so it becomes soft and sweet without frying.
- Start with low heat—ideally around 200°F (95°C). This gentle heat helps the garlic cook through while staying tender.
- Keep an eye on it as it simmers. After 45 minutes, check the garlic; it should be soft and golden. If not, give it time!
- Let it cool down before storing. This not only helps develop flavor but also makes handling easier.
- Store in a jar in the fridge; use it within 2 weeks for the best taste!
This method will give your dishes a lovely garlic flavor without the harsh bite of raw garlic, making it a kitchen staple you’ll love!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Cooking and Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups peeled garlic cloves (about 3-4 heads of garlic)
- 2 cups olive oil (enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This garlic confit recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 45 minutes to 1 hour for simmering. After cooking, allow some time for cooling before you store it. It’s super easy and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You want them completely peeled and trimmed if necessary, so they’re ready to go! This step is all about getting that sweet garlic goodness.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Next, place the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan or a heatproof bowl. Pour in enough olive oil to fully submerge all the garlic. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb that delicious olive oil flavor.
3. Add Herbs and Salt:
If you like, add a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Sprinkle in some salt too, if you’re using it. Just a teaspoon will do!
4. Gentle Heating:
Now, it’s time to heat things up! Keep the temperature low—aim for around 200°F (95°C). You want the garlic to simmer gently so that it becomes tender without browning. This process should take about 45 minutes to an hour. Check occasionally to make sure everything is cooking just right!
5. Cooling and Storing:
Once the garlic is tender and lightly golden, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer your garlic confit and the oil into a clean jar. Seal it and pop it in the fridge!
6. Enjoying Your Garlic Confit:
Your delicious garlic confit is ready to use! Spread it on bread, stir it into sauces, or use it to flavor various dishes. Just remember to enjoy it within 2 weeks for the best taste. Happy cooking!
This method will give you tender, sweet garlic that can elevate any meal, plus you’ll have some delicious garlic-infused oil to use in your cooking. Enjoy the magic of garlic in your kitchen!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Confit Recipe
Can I Use Garlic That’s Not Fresh?
While fresh garlic cloves yield the best flavor and texture, you can use peeled garlic from a jar as a substitute. However, the taste might not be as sweet and rich as that from fresh cloves. For the best results, opt for fresh garlic whenever possible!
How Do I Store Garlic Confit?
Store your garlic confit in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the garlic to avoid introducing bacteria.
Can I Use Other Oils Besides Olive Oil?
Absolutely! While olive oil is preferred for its flavor, you can use other light oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Just keep in mind that different oils may impart different flavors to your confit.
What Can I Use Garlic Confit For?
You can spread garlic confit on bread or toast, mix it into sauces, dressings, or marinades, and even add it to roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or as a topping for meats. The possibilities are endless!
