This Easy Garlic Confit is a delicious way to enjoy garlic! Slow-cooked in olive oil, the garlic becomes sweet and soft. You can use it in many dishes or just spread it on bread!
I love making this recipe because my kitchen smells amazing while it cooks. Plus, it’s so simple! Just peel, simmer, and enjoy. You may find yourself spooning it over everything! 🧄❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are essential for this recipe. Peeled garlic makes things easier. If you can’t find whole heads, pre-peeled garlic cloves work too. Just make sure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor. If you want a lighter taste, you can use a mix of olive oil and vegetable oil. Just make sure the oil is enough to fully cover the garlic to cook it gently.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary is a nice touch for flavor infusion. If you don’t have them, feel free to skip them or use dried herbs, but add them sparingly as they can be more potent.
Salt: Adding salt is optional. It helps enhance flavors, but if you’re watching your sodium, you can leave it out.
How Do You Ensure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Cooking garlic confit is all about low and slow! To keep your garlic tender and sweet, follow these tips:
- Use the lowest heat possible on your stovetop to avoid frying the garlic.
- Keep a close eye on it while cooking—if the garlic starts to brown too much, reduce the heat even further.
- Cook until the garlic is soft and golden, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
By keeping the heat low, you can stop the garlic from burning and excess bitterness, leading to that perfect mellow flavor you want!
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Cooking and Flavor
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 cups extra virgin olive oil (enough to fully cover the garlic)
- Optional: 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for cooking. Let’s also say a bit of time to cool down afterwards. In total, you can expect around 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy your delicious garlic confit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Peel the Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. You want to make sure there is no papery skin left on them. You could use a knife or just crush them gently with the flat side of the blade to help with peeling.
2. Prepare the Garlic in a Pan:
Place the peeled garlic cloves into a small saucepan or a heatproof dish. Make sure they have enough space but stay close together for even cooking.
3. Add Olive Oil:
Pour the olive oil over the garlic cloves until they are completely submerged. This is important because the oil will keep the garlic from burning and help cook it gently.
4. Add Herbs (Optional):
If you’re using fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, now’s the time to add them! Just toss them into the pan with the garlic and oil. This will infuse extra flavor as it cooks.
5. Slow Cook the Garlic:
Set your saucepan over the lowest heat possible. You want to let the garlic simmer gently—no boiling! This slow cooking will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cook until the garlic is soft and tender but not browned.
6. Cool Down:
Once the garlic is done cooking, remove the pan from heat and let it cool in the oil completely. This helps create even more flavor!
7. Store the Confit:
Transfer the garlic and the flavored oil into a clean jar or airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator to store. Remember to keep it sealed tight!
8. Use and Enjoy:
Your garlic confit is ready to delight your taste buds! Use it as a spread on bread, mix it into sauces or dressings, or simply drizzle the flavored oil on your dishes. The possibilities are endless!
As a reminder, keep your garlic confit in the fridge and try to enjoy it within 2 weeks for the freshest flavor. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Easy Garlic Confit
Can I Use Garlic That’s Already Peeled?
Yes, you can use pre-peeled garlic cloves! Just make sure they’re fresh to achieve the best flavor in your confit.
How Long Can I Store Garlic Confit?
You can store garlic confit in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I Use Other Oils Besides Olive Oil?
Absolutely! While olive oil is traditional, you can use a mix of olive oil and another oil, such as grapeseed or canola oil, for a lighter taste. Just make sure the oil is enough to cover the garlic completely.
What Are Some Ways to Use Garlic Confit?
Garlic confit is incredibly versatile! You can spread it on bread, mix it into mashed potatoes, add it to pasta dishes, toss it in salads, or use the oil for drizzling over pizzas and vegetables. Get creative!
