Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking

Category: Appetizers & Snacks

This Easy Garlic Confit is a game-changer for your meals! Just slow-cook garlic cloves in olive oil until they’re soft and sweet. The result is a tasty treat you can use in many dishes.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to slather this on everything—toast, pasta, or even pizza! Plus, it fills your kitchen with a lovely garlic scent. Cooking has never been this fun!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are the star here. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use pre-peeled garlic from the store. Just know that fresh garlic has a better flavor.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my choice for a rich taste. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or grapeseed oil also works well, but they might alter the overall flavor a bit.

Herbs: I love adding thyme or rosemary for added flavor. You can substitute with herbs like oregano or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning. If you’re watching sodium intake, you could use a salt substitute or just skip it.

How Do I Cook Garlic Confit Perfectly Without Burning It?

The secret to perfect garlic confit is low, slow cooking. You want the garlic to cook gently so it softens without turning brown. Here are some tips to help you:

  • Use the lowest heat setting on your stove. Watch the garlic; it should bubble lightly, not boil.
  • Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark; the garlic should be soft and tender.

Letting it cool in the oil enhances the flavors, so take your time with this step. Garlic confit is all about patience!

Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking

Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole garlic cloves, peeled (about 4-5 heads of garlic)
  • 2 cups olive oil (enough to cover the garlic)
  • Optional: 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor
  • Salt to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This easy garlic confit recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 45-60 minutes for slow cooking the garlic and another 10 minutes for prep and cooling. It’s a simple process that rewards you with delicious flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Peel the Garlic:

Start by carefully peeling the garlic cloves. Try to keep them whole and intact, as this ensures they cook evenly and retains their flavor while infusing the oil.

2. Prepare the Pan:

In a small saucepan or pot, combine the peeled garlic cloves with the olive oil. Make sure that the garlic is completely submerged in the oil for the best results.

3. Add Herbs (Optional):

If you like, toss in a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. They’ll infuse a lovely flavor into the oil as it cooks.

4. Cook Slowly:

Place your saucepan over the lowest heat. You want the oil to be warm and gentle—no boiling or frying! Just a soft simmer. This is key to achieving that wonderful garlic flavor.

5. Check for Doneness:

Let the garlic cook slowly for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the cloves are soft, tender, and a light golden color, but not browned. If they get too dark, it may impart a bitter taste.

6. Cool the Garlic Confit:

Once the garlic is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The flavors will continue to develop as it cools.

7. Store and Season:

Transfer the garlic and oil to a clean, airtight jar or container. Add salt to taste if you desire. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

8. Enjoy Your Garlic Confit:

This garlic confit is so versatile! Use it as a spread on toast, mix it into pasta, mash it into potatoes, or add it to your favorite recipes for a flavor boost. The oil itself can also be used for cooking or dressings. Enjoy the rich, mellow, and sweet garlic flavor that it brings to your dishes!

Easy Garlic Confit Recipe for Flavorful Cooking

FAQ for Easy Garlic Confit Recipe

Can I Use Pre-Peeled Garlic for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-peeled garlic can save you time and effort. Just make sure it’s fresh and high-quality for the best flavor results.

What Should I Do If the Garlic Starts to Brown?

If you notice the garlic starting to brown while cooking, reduce the heat immediately. You want it to gently simmer, not fry. If some cloves do turn brown, you can remove those and continue cooking the rest.

How Do I Store Garlic Confit for Longer Periods?

For longer storage, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, you can also freeze garlic confit in ice cube trays, and once solid, transfer the cubes to a bag or container for later use. They’ll last in the freezer for several months!

Can I Use Other Oils Besides Olive Oil?

Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Just keep in mind that these may change the flavor slightly. Olive oil provides the most traditional and rich taste for garlic confit.

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