This easy garlic confit is a simple way to add delicious flavor to your dishes. Just cook garlic cloves slowly in olive oil until they’re soft and sweet. Yum!
I love spreading these buttery garlic cloves on bread or using the oil for salads. It makes everything taste better! Give it a try; you’ll become a garlic fan in no time! 🧄😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key for this recipe. You could also use pre-peeled garlic cloves for convenience. If you need a milder option or dislike garlic, roasted garlic can be a great substitute but with a different flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings a lovely flavor, but you can use any mild oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you want something lighter. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point for cooking.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add a nice touch but feel free to skip or use dried herbs. I often add a few crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, too. Fresh basil could be fun in summer!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Soft Garlic Cloves?
Cooking garlic confit slowly is the trick to achieving that soft, buttery texture. High heat can turn garlic bitter, so it’s vital to keep the temperature low. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or an oven-safe dish.
- Make sure the oil completely covers the garlic cloves to prevent them from frying.
- Maintain a temperature just below simmering, either on the stovetop or in a 200°F oven.
- Check the garlic at 45 minutes. It should be soft and light golden. Don’t rush it; patience pays off!
With these steps, you’ll have delicious garlic confit ready to enhance all your favorite dishes! Enjoy! 🧄✨
Easy Garlic Confit Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 cups olive oil (enough to fully submerge the garlic)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary for added flavor
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and about 45 minutes to 1 hour for cooking. Afterward, allow some time for the garlic confit to cool before transferring it to a jar. So, set aside approximately 1.5 hours total to enjoy this flavor-packed addition to your cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic:
Start by peeling the garlic cloves. If any ends are tough or dry, trim them off. You want nice, clean garlic to infuse your oil with flavor.
2. Arrange in the Pot:
Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small saucepan or an oven-safe dish. Make sure it’s not too crowded; you want even cooking!
3. Add the Olive Oil:
Pour the olive oil over the garlic cloves, ensuring they are completely submerged. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the oil’s flavor. If you like, you can add fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra herb kick.
4. Cook Slowly:
Now, it’s time to cook! Use either the stovetop on very low heat or an oven preheated to 200°F (93°C). The key here is a gentle heat to avoid frying the garlic. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want any bubbling or splattering.
5. Check for Doneness:
Let the garlic cook gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the cloves are soft and lightly golden brown. Stir occasionally to keep it even.
6. Cool and Store:
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the garlic and oil cool to room temperature. This helps flavors develop even more! After cooling, transfer the garlic confit to a clean jar and cover it completely with the oil.
7. Enjoy Your Confit:
Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks. Spread those tender garlic cloves on bread, drizzle oil into your salads, or enhance pasta dishes. The options are deliciously endless!
Enjoy your rich, buttery garlic confit that adds a wonderful depth of flavor to every meal! 🧄✨
FAQ about Easy Garlic Confit
Can I Use Different Types of Oil for Garlic Confit?
Yes! While olive oil is traditional, you can use other oils like avocado or grapeseed oil for a milder flavor. Just ensure they have a high smoke point to prevent burning the garlic.
How Do I Store Garlic Confit Properly?
Store your garlic confit in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Make sure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in oil to keep them fresh. It’s best used within 2 weeks for optimal flavor.
Can I Reuse the Oil After Cooking the Garlic?
Absolutely! The oil infused with garlic flavor can be reused in dressings, marinades, or as a dipping oil for bread. Just strain out any garlic bits before using it again.
What If My Garlic Isn’t Soft After Cooking?
If your garlic cloves aren’t soft after the recommended cooking time, simply continue to cook them on low heat while keeping an eye on them. They’ll eventually soften, but be patient – it’s worth it!
